Sunday, March 19, 2017
He Broke All the Rules! – the Third Sunday of Lent –Year A
My
Sisters and Brothers:
In
his Letter to the Romans, Saint Paul wrote “for all have sinned and have
fallen short of the glory of God.” Even so, he also proclaimed “by the
grace of God, and through redemption by Christ Jesus, sinners have been
forgiven and justified” (cf. Romans 3:23-26). These teachings about
sin and redemption always come to my mind as I contemplate the Gospel story of
the “Samaritan woman at the well” (see John 4:5-42).
Like
the Samaritan woman, isn’t it true none of us have been “sinless” and/or
“perfect,” and don’t we also “thirst” for forgiveness from our
sins, and for the promise of eternal life? It seems to me everything about
Jesus’ encounter with her wonderfully foretold his saving actions on behalf of
all who have fallen short of God’s glory! Because of his “unorthodox”
kindness, and his willingness to share the “living water,” the Samaritan
woman began to recognize who he was as the Messiah. And even though she seemed
to be greatly “unworthy,” Jesus made it possible for her to be “saved.”
Because of their encounter, the Samaritan woman recognized the truth of her
salvation, and then she went on to testify to others about what Jesus had said and
done. And as we have been (and are) sinners like the “woman at the
well,” Jesus desires to draw near to us; he wants to share with us his “living
water.” Although we are not “worthy,” Jesus hopes to save us too!
This
story is filled with symbolism (i.e., Jesus’ radical actions speak of
greater realities demanding careful attention). Given the cultural and
religious norms of the time, it’s very notable Jesus even spoke to her at all.
Not only was she a woman, she was also a Samaritan (i.e., from a religious
sect thought by the “righteous” to be impure), and to make matters worse,
she was also an adulteress. Questions could have been asked! Why would Jesus, a
holy man, spend time being seen with such a woman, and such a sinner? Why did
he take the time to talk to her? Why did he ask her, someone so unworthy, for a
drink of water? As a religious man of his times, Jesus would have been expected
to follow very strict laws about associating with women, as well as for using
various utensils and vessels, such as those used to drink water. Yet in this
case, he broke all the rules! And so, it’s no wonder his disciples were
surprised, and perhaps even annoyed, when he gave her such attention. Yet he
did so without hesitation, and then he lovingly and mercifully addressed
the reality of her adultery. Jesus’ “unorthodox” actions enabled her to
admit who she was, and then she was able to acknowledge her “thirst” for
forgiveness. Because of their encounter, the Samaritan woman, a “sinner,”
was invited to drink from the “spring of water welling up to eternal life,”
and this led her to give testimony about it to others. And even though we too
are “sinners,” Jesus lovingly and mercifully approaches us as well! He
offers us the same promise of salvation!
Throughout
his entire ministry, Jesus was known for associating with “sinners.” It
didn’t matter to him what others thought of his merciful approach toward the
lowly and the rejected. Jesus knew “all had sinned and had fallen short of
the glory of God,” and so he enthusiastically embraced his mission to bring
forgiveness and salvation to all men and women. He did this even when the
so-called “righteous ones” didn’t approve! And so, although we too are “sinners”
and are not “perfect,” Jesus invites us to drink from the “spring of
water welling up to eternal life.” For this reason, and like the “Samaritan
woman at the well,” let’s therefore drink from its abundance! My friends, “by
the grace of God, and through redemption by Christ Jesus, we who are sinners
have been forgiven and justified.” Let’s encourage each other with this Good
News of our salvation!
Praise
God! Friar
Timothy
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