The Samaritan Woman at the Well
On Sunday we hear the story of the Woman at the Well proclaimed at Mass. This woman came to the well to draw out what she thought she needed, and instead she encountered Jesus who offered her so much more.
Consider this woman for a moment; she was a Samaritan which meant she was outside of the Jewish community (despised and unclean), and she was an outsider in her own community which is why we find her by herself at the well in the heat of the day. The "acceptable" women all went together to draw water in the cool of the morning. She sees herself as rejected by everyone, unworthy, with no place to worship, no sense of belonging, no purpose. That woman is the image we see above on the left side.
But then, Jesus! He doesn't see her that way at all. He offers her life-giving water and the Good News that he is the Messiah. When she receives and accepts this message, how she sees herself changes. She understands her worth because Jesus values her, and she runs off to tell EVERYONE she knows about what has happened. Many came to believe in Jesus as the Messiah based, first on her testimony, and then by encountering Jesus themselves. This "outsider" is the first person that Jesus reveled himself to; a woman, a Samaritan, a "sinner". This most unlikely of people became the very first EVANGELIST! The Orthodox tradition has a history that names her St. Photina, "Equal to the Apostles." St. Photina is the joy-filled image we see above on the right side.
What does this mean for us?? First of all, there is NO ONE outside of God's loving embrace. Everyone belongs and despite how we view ourselves or what we think our limitations are, God sees us as worthy and has a part for us to play in building the Kingdom. We can be vessels of God's life-giving water if we allow it to flow from us without conditions or boundaries. Are we joyful that we know that Jesus is the Messiah? Do we share that message with EVERYONE we know? Do we limit who we love?
Maybe during this next week of Lent we can each think of someone with whom we disagree about X Y or Z, or someone we consider on the outside or unworthy of our time and we commit to praying for them, sending them a note or giving them a call.
LIFE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Men's Christ Renews
Women's Christ Renews
Laidback Book Club
This is our final read of the year, and you aren't going to want to miss out on this AMAZING book! We begin on March 19!
Find more info on the website:
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2023/02/27/3-laid-back-book-club/
Faith Beautifully Crafted
March 20: Easter Cards
Please register by Friday, March 17
April 17: Inspiration Box
Please register by Friday, April 14
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2023/02/28/faith-beautifully-crafted/
SAVE THE DATE
Anne Boyd will be hosting Season 3 of THE CHOSEN here at the Parish Center on Wednesdays during the Easter Season! The first gathering is April 12 at 7:00 in the Social Hall. Registration info is coming soon, but you can always just call the Parish Center or email me so that we know how many to expect. Friends are ALWAYS welcome!
SPREAD A LITTLE BEAUTY
You can place your order at Mass this weekend or next, OR order on line!
Wishing you each a transformational week filled with living water that you share with everyone you meet!
With Lenten Peace and Hope,
lyn