Bishop Sheen was not only a great preacher, he was also effective in winning people for Christ and the Church. One of his prospective converts was Clare Booth Luce, who was a success in the worlds of writing, theater and politics. She loved to argue and spar with Sheen. But he saw she had a greater need than scoring debating points.
During one of their sessions he asked her about the loss of her beloved daughter who had died. As she began to talk about it, she expressed her feelings and wept. Sheen then took her hand and led her into the chapel where they prayed in silence before the Blessed Sacrament. Her restless heart found a home. Soon thereafter she became a Catholic.
In a way that is how Jesus helped the Samaritan woman accept conversion. At first she was nervous, being alone at a well and with a Jewish man whose religion she dislikes. Jesus comes across as a friendly stranger asking for a drink of water.
Seated by a well in a desert landscape where running water was like gold, Jesus says he could give her living water. More at ease she begins to argue with him. Was he greater than Jacob who dug this well? Jesus maintains he offers water for a restless heart.
Then Jesus brought up her five broken marriages. She changed the subject and talked about the right place to worship. He said the day is coming when the Holy Spirit of truth will unite them.
She feels confident enough to say she seeks the Savior. Jesus replies, “I am he.” His divinity and hope suffuses her soul. She leaves her bucket and goes to her village to bring the good news.
This Gospel has a special appeal for those preparing for Baptism or full communion with the Church at the Easter Vigil. We all should undergo lifelong conversion.
Prayer
Holy Spirit we pray for all the graces and virtues the members of the RCIA program in our parish need for their journey. May all who feel the restlessness of their spirits find their rest in God.
Reflect
Why invite people to become Catholics? How effective is evangelization in your parish? What attracts people to your parish?
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