The story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman was one of the most popular in my youth; I seemed to hear it very, very often. Interestingly, the homilies that followed also had a lot in common.
In each homily, the priest emphasized the fact that the woman went to the well for water at midday to avoid contact with the rest of the community. Because of the hot temperatures during the day, the common custom was to go to the well for water in the morning. But this Samaritan woman intentionally chose to go at a time when she knew she would find practically no one.
Why? What I heard most often was that she was probably singled out or judged for her way of life, which is later revealed by Jesus in the story.
And you, have you ever avoided being in a place where you feel judged, criticized, or condemned?
The Samaritan woman seems to have intentionally avoided contact with others. And of course, who likes being criticized? It’s hard to feel welcome in that kind of environment.
And that’s where Jesus finds her.
And you, do you think you have to be in a good place for Jesus to find you?
I’ve heard from many people who are certain that God “doesn’t come near” because they’re in a “bad place,” or going through a bad time in their lives.
If the Samaritan woman wanted to avoid being around people because of the criticism, Jesus found a way to find her, and found her where she was, not where she wasn’t.
And Jesus can also find you and me, where we truly are, not where we aren’t. Whether the criticism comes from other people, or from within ourselves.
Do you know where you are?
Are you where you want to be?
Without ignoring your desire for where you want to be, nor ignoring where you are today, Jesus finds you.
And even better, Jesus doesn’t judge you for where you are.
And you, where do you think you are?
If the Spirit leads you, share with Jesus the carpenter the place where you perceive yourself to be. And perhaps you will find yourself filled with joy upon hearing what Jesus tells you.
Marisol
P.S.: We can hear the story of the Samaritan woman and Jesus in the readings for the third Sunday of Lent, year/cycle A.
