John 4: 5 - 42

Befriending the stranger summarizes today's Gospel. Jesus recognizes the needs and the potential this Samaritan woman carries within her. So, he asks her for something she is able to give him. Despite her wary tone and challenging questions, Jesus draws her into "thick" dialog. By building upon her quest to satisfy a physical need, he stirs her heart to a deeper longing, so much so, that she forgets her immediate purpose, leaves her water jar, hurries to her town proclaiming this man's knowledge of her!

The urgency of her words and wonderment about his identity impelled others to seek him out. They, too, became spellbound in his presence - no longer strangers - but friends! Yes, God was in their midst!

Am I able to perceive the good in others and what they have to offer?

Am I sufficiently humble to approach the stranger, to request assistance?

Am I able to engage in "thick" speech, to probe beneath the surface, to question more deeply, to speak the truth in love as Jesus did?

Am I open to being approached, to giving assistance when asked, to hearing "my" truth revealed by another as this woman was?

--Fran DeLisle SSJ

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