Power of Grace to Transform Our Life

The Samaritan Woman, like many of us, are wounded by past hurts, resentments, and disappointments. And perhaps like the Samaritan woman who goes to the well at midday to avoid the whispers and glances that cast judgment, we hide from the world. Then this man approaches and asks her for a drink of water. He knows everything about her - every hurt and dread, her past and future, and all her hopes and dreams. This man, Jesus, shocks the Women at the Well with his love and acceptance. Instead of condemnation, he offers grace and salvation. She leaves her jars behind running to tell the others what Jesus said, taste what he gave her, and feel his forgiveness and acceptance. 


Jesus healed the Samaritan Woman with the living water of grace. Jesus comes for all of us who are in need of physical and spiritual healing and offers a well of grace to refresh our wounded and suffering soul. God's grace leads to healing, pardon, freedom, and wholeness, all the things we need to leave our own jars behind at the well. Grace is a pure gift from God, who offers us his very self in friendship, love, and life. God calls each one of us to this loving relationship with him. He offers grace with no strings attached, because it is not something we can earn. Grace has the power to transforms us from brokenness into whole, free, and joyful people. 

Too many times when we look at ourselves we are quick to point out our own faults: I'm impatient, quick to anger, prideful... and on and on. If we compare ourselves to a tapestry, we would describe ourselves by its reverse side, where all the knots and loose ends are left hanging. It's a mess! The backside of the tapestry represents areas of our life that need healing. God does not turn a blind eye to our wounds. He wants to heal us inside and out - front and back. God's grace helps us to work out all the knots and tie up all the loose ends, so that as we grow in our relationship with God, the backside looks identical to the front side. Now we see ourselves as God sees us - as his beloved child. No longer are we bound by the past. We are changed from insecure, worried, preoccupied, demanding individuals into grateful receiving people. We live fully aware of God's love for us.  

Our new life of grace is nothing other than the new life of God dwelling in us. God causes us to "grow in Him" with the infusion of His grace into more and more areas of our being. God surrounds us with grace like snowflakes falling from the sky. We can welcome God's grace by opening our mouths wide open like a child and feast upon God's love. Or we can shield ourselves from the abundance of graces by opening our umbrellas so no snowflakes touch us. When we accept his invitation and say yes to "grace" God enters into our very being. If we say no, the snowflakes still surround us even though we shield ourselves with an umbrella. God respects our freedom. He gives us room to grow in love and decide for ourselves what kinds of relationship we want to have with Him. Yet the gentle wind still manages to blow a few snowflakes onto our face. This is God trying to get "in" though ever so gently.


Each and every day, God is looking for ways to show us that He can make all things new - to bring us to new life. "Here I stand, knocking at the door. If anyone hears me calling and opens the door, I will enter his house and have supper with him, and he with me." (Rev 3:20) We can we more clearly recognize God's gracious actions in our every day, ordinary, and duty-bound lives by reflecting back on our day. We remember an instance where we received unexpected help, a passing glance of approval, or a hug. We remember laughter around the dinner table, a scent that triggered a comforting memory, or a conversation with a new neighbor you think will become a new friend. We remember how peaceful we felt when we heard words of forgiveness from a friend we hurt. When our senses are open to see, feel, hear, and touch the gestures of God, we see graces everywhere!

 

More than a few years ago now, my son broke his arm as I watched him play on the monkey bars. I spent the night at the hospital following surgery to pin his bone in place. All night I trembled feeling cold and afraid. At Mass the next weekend I replayed the accident over and over in my head. Then I heard this song, "Be not afraid, for I am with you always. Come follow me and I will give you rest." I knew at that moment God was talking to me. God was singing that song to me for my healing. Was that grace? Absolutely!

 

John Newton, the old sea captain and slave trader, understood well the grace of God. When all seemed lost and his ship would surely sink in the violent storm, he cried, "Lord, have mercy upon us." Reflecting later, Newton believed that God had spoken to him through the storm and that God's grace had begun to change his heart. Newton is best remembered for the hymn he wrote, "Amazing Grace."

 

Love never stops seeking to give itself to the other. God then never rests until he is fully engaged with you. Will you open the door?

 

 

 



Journaling with Jesus        

Begin with a few minutes of silent prayer becoming aware of God's presence and humbly seek the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart. Then focus on the following questions for personal reflection and journaling.

 

 

 

Think about areas of your life that are weighing most heavily on your heart. Write a letter to God about the things that fill your with worry and keep you from being free... anxiety, depression, insecurities, fear, envy, loneliness, resentment.

 

Look back on your life and identify your greatest change. As you think about this change, recall what life was like for you "before" and "after." Write a letter to God sharing with Him who or what helped you the most during that change.

 

What do you desire from God this time in your life? Tell Him.

 

 Listen for Jesus' response through Scripture, personal insight, and encounters with others. What do you think Jesus might be saying to you at this time?