Monday, March 24, 2014

Lesson from the "well woman"

"Sir, I see that you are a prophet..."
John 4:19
 
Yesterday's Gospel was the Woman at the well and I was excited to reread the chapter in Fr. Anthony Gittins' book, "Encountering Jesus" about this fascinating woman.  Jesus tells the woman he knows all about her colorful past, the five husbands, the fact that she is living with a man now who is not her husband.  Gittins says, "But (Jesus') intention is neither to condemn her, nor to dwell on the past. He shows no inclination to condemn, only to enlighten, to encourage, and to commission." Even though the woman was not of Jesus' people.  Even though she had lived a rather torrid life to that point, and even though she was a woman, Jesus saw in her, faith and potential. Jesus saw what she could become and what she turned out to be--one who leads others to him.  This woman, as Gittins points out, was far more on-top-of-things than the disciples who basically missed the whole stunning event! Today, before we judge someone as unsavory or un-teachable or even unlovable, let's remember Jesus and the woman at the well.  Jesus did not condemn her...he enlightened her, encouraged her, and then sent her out to teach others!  Love, heidi

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