03.03.26 - Asceticism | Grace | Woman at the Well |
- tmaley
- 3 hours ago
- 14 min read
Catholic Understanding & Biblical Defense Class 3/10/26
Every Tuesday, 7PM-8PM (EST), on Meetup: www.meetup.com/catholicbiblestudy
Past classes are posted on our Catholic Catacombs Website: www.CatholicCatacombs.org
House rules, Catholic resources…
RSVP Reminder: Please RSVP whether you are attending the meeting or just reading the Recaps afterwards. The more RSVPs, the more Meetup will give exposure to “Catholic Bible Study” – a good thing!
Questions. We encourage questions although we ask that you keep them on topic and brief. You can ask during the meeting, or in the chat box, or if you prefer you can email us through Meetup.com, or Ron directly: ron@hallagan.net.
Recaps. Within a day or two after each meeting, we will post the edited meeting notes of our discussions on our website, www.catholiccatacombs.org. Taylor will notify everyone when this is posted and provide you with a link.
Respectfulness. We will be discussing differences between Christian denominations and religions in general, and we seek to be respectful at all times. Protestants especially are our friends and brothers/sisters-in-Christ; in fact, I owe much of my return to Christianity to them. Therefore, any critique of our brethren is in loving pursuit of apostolic truth.
No politics. It would be easy for us to self-destruct, but that’s not our goal :). Our goal is to learn, understand, and apply the Bible and our Catholic faith to our everyday lives.
“The Chosen” TV series. All of us seek a relationship with Jesus Christ, which is not always easy. It can help if we have seen and heard Him. The Chosen series captures Jesus better than any show I have ever seen. Highly recommended.
Cursillo. Interested in meeting weekly over coffee to discuss how God is involved in your personal and professional life? Join Cursillo (cur-see-yo). Initiation involves a 3-day retreat at Mission Hurst in Arlington. For men’s groups, contact Ron (ron@hallagan.net) and Jennifer Pence (Jennifer.pence@gmail.com) for women’s groups.
Catholic Prayer & Fellowship. Are you interested in praying the rosary, etc. with other Catholics during the week? Follow fellow member Jason Goldberg at https://www.meetup.com/online-catholic-prayer-fellowship-and-spirituality/.
Catholic Resources: 5 min daily inspirations, 10 min weekly homilies, podcasts, bibles, community engagement, and apologetics: Catholic Answers (catholic.com), Word on Fire (institute.wordonfire.org), and Dynamic Catholic (dynamiccatholic.com).
Each meeting is a Speaker/Q&A format, roughly as follows:
min Apologetic Reflection
min Upcoming Gospel Reading
30 min Weekly topic/theme
1 hour
Week 1: Gospel Week – we study several Gospel stories, especially the tough ones.
Week 2: Bible Week – we are working our way through the Bible. We are studying the Prophets.
Week 3: Questions and Survey Topics chosen by Members:
1. Explanation of the Mass and Eucharist 2. The Dead Sea Scrolls 3. Catholicism related to modern cosmology? 4. The 7 Gifts/Fruits of the HS & 7 Deadly Sins 5. Does doubting one’s faith mean we are failing God? 6. How do we experience the Love of God? 7. The Communion of Saints 8. Comparative Religions 9. Catholic vs Protestant beliefs
Week 4: Apologetics:
Gen 1-3 (Creation Story, Adam & Eve, the Fall of Man, The Meaning of the Trees/Summary)
Faith and Doubt
Deeper meanings of the Mass
Please RSVP to these classes, it boosts Catholic Bible Study visibility on MeetUp.
Taylor will send a link to everyone with today’s notes.
The class is recorded if you want to listen to it anytime.
I will ask for volunteer readers…
Opening Prayer
Eucharistia: Thank you, Lord, I am grateful for your saving presence in my life.
Kenosis: Lord, I will try to empty myself as you did, to be present to others.
Metanoia: Today, every moment, Lord, I will turn my mind, my heart, and my world towards You.
Maranatha: Come, Lord Jesus, enter, and make your home with me.
And as Jesus taught us to pray …
Our Father
Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily Bread;
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Major holy days: We are in Lent from Wednesday, Feb 18 through Good Saturday, April 4.
The Annunciation – March 25
Mass or Confession anywhere/anytime: www.masstimes.org
Today’s Agenda Lenten reflection: Asceticism
Member question: Wasn’t Jesus’s death on the cross sufficient for our forgiveness and salvation?
Gospel Reading for the 3rd Sun of Lent (3/8) – Jesus and the Woman at the Well, John 4:5-42
Word of the week: Conversion
From the Catholic perspective, “conversion” is not a one-off thing but a life-long experience. It comes from the Greek word, metanoia, meaning “inner change.” Every day that we pray, repent, study God’s Word, or seek His advice, we are changing. This is conversion. It doesn’t end until we reach Heaven.
Lenten Reflection: Asceticism
An early period of Christian history – roughly 300-600 AD – became a full-blown historical movement as communities of Christians went to live in the desert as religious ascetics. Christian meditation/contemplation took off in this period.
Ascetic comes from the Greek word for “strenuous athletic training” that involves discipline and deprivation (askesis). In a similar sense, these desert-dwellers were athletes, training not for sports or games but for the spiritual contests of life: challenges that involved the totality of themselves. They purged their lives of everything superfluous and turned toward obtaining spiritual victories. In a small way, this is the training we do at Lent – and then hopefully, to some degree, that will inspire us the year round.
Why did these ascetic communities start in the 300s?
As Christianity became legalized by the Edict of Milan in 313 AD under the Roman Emperor Constantine, tens of thousands of persecuted Christians suddenly were faced with integrating with their persecutors. As you can imagine, the strong/passionate Christian beliefs and living habits that existed before slowly began to soften.
In response to this, a number of the faithful revolted against these lifestyle accommodations with their surrounding pagan culture. They moved out of the cities and into the desert to follow Jesus more closely by giving up worldly attachments. They eventually came to be known as our ancient “Desert Fathers and Mothers.” This movement developed over the centuries, leading into what we now call our monasteries and convents.
The first and most famous “Desert Father” was St. Anthony the Great (251-356), also called the Father of Monasticism. After St. Athanasius wrote Anthony’s biography, his fame spread throughout the empire and thousands followed him into the Egyptian desert. In the 4th century, the “Desert Mother,” Amma Syncletica, who had been born wealthy in Greece but gave away everything and moved to Egypt to become an ascetic, was the cause of many young women following in her footsteps. We owe these ascetics a debt of gratitude for, in many ways, they provided guidance and acted as a kind of anchor to the rest of Christians learning how to adapt to the culture of their times (the Roman Empire). Their message is still valid today: the more we prioritize our attachments to this world, the less room there is for God.
Pope Benedict referred to the world’s attempt to move us away from God (keep us in the 6th Day) by its continual enticements, distractions, anxieties, and threats, as the Devil’s anonymous manipulation of modern man. Only by tending to our biblical roots and true identity as children of God can we act with calm confidence in the face of shifting winds and storms. Jesus speaks of this as well in Matthew 7, referring to “building our foundation on rock … not sand,” so we that don’t get swept away by the first storm that come along. Or the second… (Mt 7:24-27).
Follow up question: Isn’t grace from the Cross sufficient for our salvation? We can’t be saved by “works.”
“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one may boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
Agreed! Most Protestants don’t seem to realize that this has been the teaching of the Catholic Church since the first century – that our salvation is made possible only by Jesus’ death on the Cross for our sins. Without this, Heaven would still be closed to us. The grace from the Cross given to us is the return of Sanctifying Grace, which was lost at the Fall. Indeed, what Jesus did on the cross was more than sufficient for all the sins of all humanity for all of history, times infinity! This was never in question. What is in question is our part. We still have free will, so what we need to discuss is the role we play.
Our response to God’s offer of salvation...
Catholicism teaches that our response begins with faith and baptism, just as Jesus called us to. But this wasn’t a “one-and-done” thing. It is the beginning of a life-long journey; it is our ongoing cooperation with the Holy Spirit’s grace to make us more Christ-like and grow our relationship with God. This journey is our continual conversion (repentance [humility]-forgiveness [freedom], and growth in wisdom and love). So: Baptism and faith qualify us to be in God’s family, and then our journey begins, and it continues until we reach Heaven.
Sometimes Protestants will point to Paul speaking negatively about “works” in several places (Gal 2:16, Gal 3:10, Rom 2:20…). For example:
“… know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. ...- Gal 2:16
What are the “works of the law” Paul is referring to?
“Works of the law” refer to observances and precepts of the Mosaic Law, particularly the ceremonial practices of circumcision, dietary restrictions, and ritual sacrifices. Paul is correctly stating that these works of the law are not a means for one’s justification (salvation). On the other hand, the good works that Jesus demands of us – and that Catholics have taught since the time of the apostles (Paul included) – are called “works of charity” or “works of love.”
The Necessity of Good Works/Works of Love in Scripture:
Paul states in Romans that God "will reward every man according to his works and eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works.” – Romans 2:6-7
Paul also states in Ephesians, “Believers are created in Christ Jesus for good works…” – Ephesians 2:10
Here, fruits refers to good works: “Beware of false prophets… by their fruits you will know them. Every good tree bears good fruit… Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” – Matthew 7:15,17,19
"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…”– Hebrews 10:24.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the ones who do the will of my Father in Heaven. – Matthew 7:21
“As long as it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent me.” – John 9:4
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
“For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his works.” – Matthew 16:27
In discussing the Last Judgment with his disciples, Jesus explains how salvation is given for their good works to help the hungry, the thirsty, and the stranger. For those who did not feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, or visit those in prison are sent “off to eternal punishment.” – Matthew 25:31-46
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no works? Can such faith save them?” “So you see, faith by itself, if it does not produce good works, is dead.” – James 2:14,17.
One can easily see why Catholics over the centuries have emphasized good works – because Jesus did! Of course, this cannot ever be at the expense of faith. Faith is primary, but faith can’t stand alone, either. That is why we say faith and works are two sides of the same coin. They cannot be separated, and neither one can stand by itself.
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well, John 4:5-42
Context: In the verses previous to today’s reading, Jesus had been baptizing in Judea where John the Baptist was. When the Pharisees had heard that Jesus’ baptisms were exceeding John’s, Jesus decided to depart Judea for Galilee. But rather than go around Samaria, he decided to go through it.
Most Jews would have gone around Samaria. Why?
Northern and Southern Israel split and went their separate ways after Solomon died in 922 BC. Both were conquered at different times over the years (North by Assyria in 721 BC, the South by Babylon in 587 BC), except Judea was able to return much sooner and retain their heritage. The North (Samaria) had intermingled with the Assyrians; yet they retained what they could of their faith, built their own temple, and still considered themselves authentic Israelites. Needless to say, there was extensive animosity between these two groups and it was not safe to travel through each other’s territory. The safest way to travel was to travel along the Jordan River. But not Jesus! He headed straight up through Samaria.
Why would Jesus head through Samaria
It was prophesied that the Messiah would come for all Israelites. That would include the Samaritans.
Our reading today is a long one, so we will stop and comment throughout.
Jesus and the Woman at the Well, John 4:5-26, 27-30, 39-42
Jesus came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.Jacob’s well was there.
Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down there at the well. It was about noon.
A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” For his disciples had gone into the town to buy food.
What is Jacob’s well?
Jacob (whose name God later changed to “Israel”) was Abraham’s grandson. This well is on the land that he purchased from the local inhabitants around 1700 BC. The Samaritan’s claim to Jacob’s name (Israel) was quite a claim to legitimacy, at least in their minds.
What is odd about the woman coming to the well at Noon?
Noon is a strange time for such a task since nobody usually came out to the well in the heat of the day. Also, the woman is alone, which is also strange – as this was not particularly safe.
So far, what we have is no ordinary woman, no ordinary man, at no ordinary well. Keep a sharp lookout, as there is more going on here than meets the eye.
Now, one more unordinary thing. Can you think of anything that stands out about wells in the Old Testament?
They are places where marriages have resulted. For example:
Rebecca, the future bride of Isaac, was found at a well by Abraham’s servant – Gen 24:10-67.
Jacob meets Rachel, his future bride, at a well – Gen 29:1-30.
Moses meets Zipporah, his bride, at a well – Exodus 2:15-21.
This was so well known (pun intended), you could almost say that if you wanted to find your spouse, you should head down to the nearest well (not the nearest bar).
What could this nuptial connection have to do with Jesus?
We shall see.
The Samaritan woman said to him, “How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
Jesus’ willingness to engage the woman is significant in itself as it breaks all cultural norms. The woman herself is shocked.
The “gift of God” refers to salvation and eternal life which is his purpose for coming.
“And who is saying to you…” – Here Jesus alludes to his identity as the Messiah. If she knew who she was asking, she would be asking for the gifts that he is bringing.
“Living water” literally meant flowing water vs stagnant water (well). Flowing water was always preferred. But the “living water” Jesus refers to involves a spiritual elevation: the waters of Baptism = the Holy Spirit and eternal life.
The woman said to him, “Sir, you do not even have a bucket and the cistern is deep; where then can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this cistern and drank from it himself with his children and his flocks?”
Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.”
The woman doesn’t understand yet, but she will. In the meantime, Jesus has her hooked in the conversation enough that he can now take it to the next level.
Jesus said to her, “Go call your husband and come back.”
The woman answered and said to him, “I do not have a husband.”
Jesus answered her, “You are right in saying, ‘I do not have a husband.’ For you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband.”
The first thing we must note is the questionable character of the woman. The Samaritans were less strict than the Jews about moral norms, but even they frowned sexual immorality. Five husbands? When we said this was no ordinary woman, now we know why. This is why she was coming to the well at noon all by herself – nobody wanted to be associated with her in public. But the point here isn’t about how questionable her character was, but that Jesus sought HER out for this engagement.
Do you see how incredible this is? Not only didn’t Jesus belong in Samaria because those people were considered outcasts, but the woman he chose to engage may have been the worst character in the whole town. But that’s not all that we should notice. We have to see that Jesus came to her. God acts first. He comes to us, even when we might feel unworthy.
The woman said to him, “Sir, I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain; but you people say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.”
Sorry, I have to interject here. This woman is not dumb. She knows that the truth about her past could spell the end of her engagement with this prophet, or some horrible judgment of her by him. That’s the last thing she needed – more people pronouncing judgment on her! So then what does she do? She changes the subject (I see you are a prophet!). Love it.
Jesus said to her, “Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You people worship what you do not understand; we worship what we understand, because salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him. God is Spirit, and those who worship himmust worship in Spirit and truth.”
“The hour is coming, and is here now”? What does this mean?
The hour that is coming is when Jesus completes his mission on the cross and rises again. “Here now” refers to that fact that he is standing in front of her.
“True worshippers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth.”
This is what happens when we receive the Holy Spirit, starting with Pentecost. God will be with us! This is the meaning of the word, “Emmanuel”!
The woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the Christ; when he comes, he will tell us everything.”
Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one speaking with you.”
She must have had a heart attack. But before she could even respond, Jesus’ disciples show up.
Just then his disciples returned and were amazed that He was speaking with a woman.
Why were the disciples amazed?
First of all, because a man talking alone to a woman at a well had marriage connotations! Certainly, Jesus knew this. Secondly, it was a Samaritan woman!
The woman left her water jar and went into the town and said to the people, “Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could he possibly be the Christ?” They went out of the town and came to him.
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.”
Isn’t it interesting how the highly regarded, wealthy Jews in Jerusalem had difficulty accepting Jesus, but the Samaritans didn’t?
The conclusion is this:
Jesus also selected the setting for this story – a well. Indeed, it was a marriage that he came to accomplish – a marriage between God and fallen humans. Jesus and the Samaritan woman represent this marriage.
Closing Prayer:
O Lord
You are the Vine and we are the branches:
Your Spirit and Life flow through us;
You are in us, we are in You.
We are one.
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