Finally the end of the Gospel from 2 Sundays Ago

Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him
because of the word of the woman who testified,
“He told me everything I have done.”
When the Samaritans came to him,
they invited him to stay with them;
and he stayed there two days.
Many more began to believe in him because of his word,
and they said to the woman,
“We no longer believe because of your word;
for we have heard for ourselves,
and we know that this is truly the savior of the world.”

The Samaritans come to believe in Christ because He spoke truthfully about sins. Not because He seemed like a nice guy, or because He healed her, or even because He said He was the Messiah. They come to believe in Him because He shines light into the darkness, opening their eyes to their own sins.

So all of them go out to meet Jesus and He stayed with them for two days. This is probably even less socially acceptable than eating with tax collectors. But though salvation is through the Jews, it is not only for the Jews.

He speaks to them, and they come to believe in Him. We do not know what He said during those two days, but it doesn't seem that far of a stretch to think He shone light into the darkness of all their souls. He offers each of us living water if only we would relinquish the darkness to Him, for He is the only One who can conquer it.

"We no longer believe because of your word, for we have heard for ourselves..." When we first learn about Christ, we learn about Him. Our parents, teachers, priests, and friends tell us stories about His miracles, His sacrifice, His resurrection. We memorize facts. We memorize a Creed. We memorize rules and prayers. I could argue persuasively about many elements of the Catholic faith before I ever had a personal encounter with Christ. But if we follow Him and seek Him, we will encounter Him for ourselves. We come to know Him. This goes deeper than merely hearing words we have heard from others coming directly from God instead. Our faith is deepened when we come to know and to love Jesus as our Savior, Lord, Bridegroom, and friend. My parents told me about God all through my childhood. I studied Jesus in school and at home. I went to Mass each week and I believed that Jesus was God. But now, I know Him personally. I no longer believe because of the testimony of others, for I have heard for myself, and I know that He is truly the savior of the world.

I'm praying for you!

:)