Third Sunday of Lent

This Sunday’s reflection focus’ on the encounter of Jesus and a Samaritan woman.  This woman who came in search of water finds Jesus, the source of “living water.” During the hottest part of the day, Jesus approaches the well and asks this woman for a drink of water. The surprise of the woman that Jesus would even speak with her acknowledges Jesus’ willingness to minister among those who are the outcast in the society.  

Many scholars conclude that this woman was an outcast because of the time of day she was at the well and the fact that she had many husbands. Perhaps, this woman was at the well at this time to avoid those who would ridicule or shame her. Perhaps the Gospel writer was pointing out the hour when the woman was thirsting the most to be acknowledged and accepted back into the community. In any case, this Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus was about to change her life forever.

Jesus looked beyond this woman’s faults and saw her pain, her shame, and her hope. Have you ever experienced in your encounter with Jesus, his unconditional love? Has your experience of Jesus lifted you out of the “ashes of your past” and given you a reason to live again with renewed purpose? Because of your encounter with Jesus, can you lift your head and walk with pride again in the sight of your enemies?

This was the perfect time for this woman to encounter Jesus.  She was thirsty enough. She was shamed enough. She was tired enough to drink from the well of God’s love and forgiveness. She possibly realized that she has wrestled with God long enough and now living water is given to her. This was a moment of her rebirth by water and the Holy Spirit. This was symbolic of her Baptism in Christ. 

The Gospel tells us that the woman said, “How can you a Jew ask me a Samaritan for something to drink?”  After her conversion and encounter with Jesus she said, “Sir, give me this water that I may not be thirsty and have to keep coming to this well.” Jesus broke the chains that bound this woman. She then openly shared her story of salvation and people began to follow Jesus. Now she is able to worship God in Spirit and in truth.
 
Sometimes we feel that we must go looking for God. However, if we just be still, God will come to us.  No matter your circumstances or your situation, God never gets tired of waiting for us or searching for us. This woman was probably ready for change in her life and Jesus came at her moment of deepest need. Are you being still? Are you ready for a blessing? 

Let us continue to pray for one another!