In today’s Gospel, we see the Samaritan woman coming to faith. The steps she takes are our steps, too. Though she needs Jesus’ help, he approaches her first. He invites us to make the journey of faith long before we start, by putting us into a faithful family, giving us a curious heart that seeks the truth, sending us a friend or spouse whose example draws us to the Lord.
The next step is acknowledging our need and our sinfulness. Admitting our need for God, and especially for God’s forgiveness, opens us to God’s saving grace. Another step is drawing closer to God in prayer. Jesus tells the woman, and us, that the best worship is honest and from the Spirit.
When we begin to share our faith with others, we take the step of living our faith. Like the woman who told her neighbors about Jesus, we find that the people we have touched begin to find the Lord on their own. Our catechumens are taking these steps now, thanks to those who have helped them experience Jesus’ invitation to faith.
Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications