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Written by Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ

“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.” (John 4:13–14)

In yesterday’s Gospel reading, we have the longest of the dialogues in all four Gospel narratives.  The story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman, or the “woman at the well,” is dense with multiple layers of meaning. It is a classic story of an unlikely encounter leading to unanticipated liberation and unexpected transformation. By his simple request, “Give me a drink,” Jesus breaks barriers and initiates the dialogue with a Samaritan woman, not only looked down upon by society but despised also by the Jewish people. His request granted, Jesus then spends time with her and is fully present to her. He looks at her; he listens to her as she is trusting enough to be honest about her life. She is astounded by Jesus’ understanding of her, and Jesus, in turn, reads the deepest desires of her heart—for genuine love and a meaningful life. He reveals to this woman the mystery of living water and of the Holy Spirit – the gifts of God. She believes Jesus and runs back to her village eager to share the good news of her own personal encounter with her friends and neighbors.

Every encounter with Jesus leads to a change in a person’s life. There is a link between “encounter” and “evangelization.” Like Jesus, we are called to have a heart for all people, not just some. Like the Samaritan woman, we are called to give bold witness to the good news of the Gospel message. May we seek that encounter and may we have that courage.

This week, let us take time to reflect on the following:

• Whom do I consider outsiders? Am I comfortable interacting with outsiders?  Why or why wouldn’t I be willing to initiate a conversation with them?
• Do I share the good news of who Jesus is in my life with others?  Do I believe that others can be drawn closer to Jesus through me?