The Woman At The Well

Who do you say I am? (Matt: 16:15)

Ruth Bell Graham saw a roadside sign and knew it would fit perfectly on her gravestone.  It read, "Project completed.  Thank you for your patience." She knew who she was; her soul was her real essence, her core and she needed a lifetime to perfect it for Christ.  The words of St Paul to Timothy, I hope will be on mine,"I have competed well; I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."  I will not forget or neglect Him as I advance along a path by which I reach my final goal, heaven.

Some have faith from birth; some have to search for it in later life.  Many go through life unfulfilled, unfocused, searching- a blank canvas waiting for a picture to be posted on them.  All have to be given the gift of faith by God, some dramatically, like St Paul.  His early education, one taught by famous teachers left him persecuting Christ's followers until he was struck by God's powerful hand on the road to Damascus.  The divine gift of faith given by God necessitates our response, our Amen, for God is love.  Neither Paul nor we can preach effectively if we are not a vessel of His love.  We meet Christ, look into His gaze as He looks into our hearts and love whatever He loves.  Like Paul, our lives are revolutionized.

 Christians recognize Christ is more than a prophet; we are like Peter who says, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,"   Our faith is not lacking; we have a loving attachment to the Source of faith.  Christ is working through us- seeking and finding the lost, binding up the brokenhearted.  His command still rings true:" Love one another, as I have loved you."  All our service has a duty to love behind it.

Peter, Paul, us, each in his own unique way remain one in our faith and love of God. We do not know our final earthly end- Peter martyred on the cross, Paul by the sword, but this we do know..."to the victor, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life." (Canticle of Peter and Paul)

We give thanks praying with faith:

That we will be engulfed and set on fire with the zeal of Paul;

That the keys to the kingdom of heaven given to Peter's successors will be remembered by all;

That we remain steadfast in our faith through the reception of Bread of Life.

That we embrace the love of our church of Peter through the reception of the sacrament of Penance;

That we recognize the Real Presence of the Son of the Living God through Adoration.

That we beg for His strength when we are weak and temptations threaten our lives.

That we comfort the family of those who have reached the end of their life journey;

That we seek what is good in others as He has sought what is good in us.