Postscript on the Samaritan woman at the well

 

Christ and the Samaritan Woman at the Well

Johann Zick [Web Gallery of Art]

At Mass yesterday I was struck by these beautiful words in the special Preface used when the Gospel of the Samaritan woman is read. The Preface is always addressed by the priest to God the Father.

For when [Jesus] asked the Samaritan woman for water to drink, 

he had already created the gift of faith within her

and so ardently did he thirst for her faith, 

that he kindled in her the fire of divine love.

In Sunday Reflections for yesterday I highlighted the Servant of God Alfie Lambe, a Legion of Mary envoy to South America. The last line of the quotation from yesterday's Preface above is a reference to an ancient prayer to the Holy Spirit with which every Legion of Mary meeting begins, leading to the Rosary.

Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.

v. Send forth Your Spirit, O Lord, and they shall be created.

R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

God our Father, pour out the gifts of Your Holy Spirit on the world. You sent the Spirit on Your Church to begin the teaching of the gospel: now let the Spirit continue to work in the world through the hearts of all who believe. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The versicle and response above are taken from Psalm 104 [103]:30.

Pentecost

El Greco [Web Gallery of Art]

Send forth Your Spirit, O Lord, and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth (Psalm 104[103]:30).