Two weeks ago we went with our Lord into the wilderness where he was tempted by the devil. We saw him hungry and alone, exposed to all the power of the demonic world. You may remember we learned, through that experience, Christ understands the struggles that go on in the garden of every human heart. In the lessons that follow during Lent we are helped to see how Christ's facing of temptation equipped him to help others find the joy of knowing they are daughters and sons of God. The woman at the well in today's Gospel could be each of us, as we seek the gift of faith or its renewal in the approaching Easter celebration.

We don't have to go to the wilderness, to the desert, to be alone. It doesn't take the burning heat of the sun, the glistening green of the cactus, the buffalo roaming, and…