This gospel passage is for people who are tired, weary and thirsty. As the story begins, Jesus was alone, weary and thirsty when he stopped for a drink. At an ancient well, he crossed paths with a woman fetching water. A conversation ensued. An extraordinary conversation that revealed a mutual thirst for a better world. How would you describe the world that Jesus wanted and taught his disciples about and died for? The interaction between Jesus and the woman he met was full of societal tension. The woman at the well often referred to as the ‘Samaritan Woman’ because she was part of an ethnoreligious group originating from an Israelite tribe. Though they shared common lineage, strong prejudice existed between mainstream temple Judaism and the Samaritans. As a woman with multiple relationships she would not have been thought well of in her society. In addition talking to a Jewish Rabbi in such a personal way would have been unconventional at least and even objectionable. The conversation began about water, a daily necessity, but grew into so much more. It comes out that the woman was wearied by the harshness of life. She was doing heavy work at the heat of the day- an indication of being shunned. She must have become weary of men with the history of 6 men who had left or died or abandoned her. And she was caught in the middle of a religious argument that had nothing to do with her daily life making her people the object of prejudice. Weariness is something we all feel. Imagine yourself at the well with Jesus. Your life is different than the Woman at the well, yet imagine pulling up the bucket and sharing a cup of water with Jesus. Your weariness would be evident to him. What words describe what you are weary of in your life, our society and world? What would Jesus alone be able to see in your heart? It is human nature to keep walking to the well alone, shouldering our burden alone. Jesus revealed that God is willing to refresh each person with Living Water. This morning let down your burden. Allow God’s compassion for you grow in your consciousness. What is God's prayer for you this morning? The Living Water Jesus offered that nameless woman long ago is offered to you and our world today. The Living Water we receive from Jesus quenches the parched soul and revitalizes the driest places with a vision for new reconciled life. This vision is more than a good idea it is made real in the Body and Blood of Christ. Drink deeply from the spiritual waters of grace and mercy. Your faith brings light to the world. Just as the woman dropped her buckets and ran to tell her village about meeting Jesus. So your faith affects others. Allow a prayer for our world to grow in your heart and ask God what you might do to share the hope that has transformed your life into a life of Love. Closing Prayer Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts which may assault the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. Comments are closed.
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AuthorThe Rev. Lisa Senuta is the Rector of the Episcopal Church of St. James the Less in Northfield, Illinois. Archives
January 2021
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