Third Sunday of Lent

The story of Jesus speaking with the Samaritan woman at the well has many parts, many facets. Why did Jesus speak to a woman, a Samaritan? Why tell her, of all people, that he was the Messiah? He hadn’t even told that to his disciples.

And her reactions include wondering why he is speaking to her. Why did she continue to speak to this man who pointed out her own sinfulness? And how was it that she believed him when he said, "I am he?" Through the grace of God this woman had an "Aha!" moment. The identity of Jesus as the Messiah was clear to her on his word alone. Sometimes it happens that way.

Elaine grew up in northern Ontario in a place called Dalton Mills whose rail line was its only connection to the world beyond. One day she and some other children were picking berries by the railway line. A train went by, moving rather slowly. It moved slowly enough for Elaine to see the two figures standing on the observation platform. They were two Sisters of St. Joseph. Although she had neither seen nor heard of them before, Elaine stopped, looked and said, "That is what I am going to be." An "Aha!" moment.

Immediate recognition with no real reason. Of course, for this to have any value, there must be follow-up. The Samaritan woman did recognize the Messiah and afterwards ran to the villagers to proclaim her good news. Elaine did grow up, she did go to Toronto and she did become a Sister of St. Joseph.

"Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony" - John 4:39

By Mary Buckley CSJ