The journey of faith isn't meant to be a solitary one. Through the compelling story of the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, we discover a profound truth about our own spiritual lives: genuine faith naturally overflows into apostolic action.
When Jesus speaks of "living water" to this woman, He's referring to the gifts of the Holy Spirit that purify, sanctify, and bring salvation. What happens next is remarkable - upon recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, she immediately leaves her water jar behind to share the good news with others. She becomes an apostle without hesitation, without extensive training, without a theology degree.
This spontaneous evangelization reveals something essential about authentic faith: it naturally seeks to spread. As St. Margaret Mary reminds us, "I must be all divine, all love, and then I will be able to light others with this fire." Our primary apostolate comes not through elaborate arguments or perfect knowledge, but through charity and good example that attracts others to the divine flame within us.
Being "visibly Catholic" in today's world requires courage - the willingness to pray publicly, abstain from meat on Fridays, or simply live differently than the surrounding culture. These small acts of faithfulness create natural openings for deeper conversations. As we progress through this Lenten season, let's embrace our call to be everyday apostles, combating our desire for human respect and instead boldly living out our faith in ways that make others curious about the source of our hope. Join us in exploring how the simplest acts of faith can become the most powerful form of evangelization.
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