I will remove the heart of stone from you…

Today we hear the wonderful account of Jesus meeting the Samaritan Woman by a well.  Jesus says something to her that allows Him to change her life.  She was transformed because He was concerned about her.  He wanted her to be the best person she could be.  He told her that she could do it, and she heard His message.  That is why we do penance during Lent, and why we make special effort to go to confession.  We know that Jesus loves us and that He cares for each of us individually.  Yes, He sees the bumps and bruises of our lives, He doesn’t condone our sins – be they big or little – but He wants us to be better and His love always transforms us.  Like the woman in today’s gospel reading we need to have an experience of His healing love.  Jesus makes us want to be better and His love for us gives us the courage to change our lives and so embrace the new life He offers.  The blood that poured from His wounds on the Cross has ignited our minds and hearts with the fire of His Love: may His love consume us and make us new.

       … and give you a heart of flesh!