In preparation for the third Sunday in Lent, we focus on the word "confess" as it pertains to 'Living into our Baptismal Calling.' Take a few moments to reflect on this meditation from The Upper Room Disciplines:
One reading of this well-known story would claim that it defies convention. A man, a Jew, in open conversation with a woman who is a Samaritan sets up an unheard-of scene. It would be easy to say that the story's novelty comes solely from the fact that Jesus speaks to a Samaritan woman in public. Yet scholars also point to the fact that it is unusual for a woman to come to the well and draw water during the hottest portion of the day.
If Jesus had instead held a conversation with this woman in a private place under dark of night as he had with Nicodemus, the story when heard would have led to a scandalous buzz. How does the Gospel writer describe this daylight, public conversation?
Jesus extends the grace of hearing and responding to the truth of this woman's life without recoil, and instead of passing judgment, passes her fresh, living water. Some might hold to the adage, "The truth hurts," while others might hold to the adage, "The truth will set you free." If interviewed, it is possible the Samaritan woman would acknowledge that both are true. She, unlike Nicodemus, evidences some understanding as Jesus speaks of the new life available to her. This is the longest recorded conversation with Jesus contained in the Bible. The woman opens up as they speak: her personal life, her spiritual life. Then, she goes to bear witness: "He told me everything I have ever done," and many come to believe.
We, like this woman, may discover that our admission of truth's painful reality can free us. Hers is not simply the story of an open conversation with Jesus, but of a life being opened to Jesus.
Lord Jesus, shine the light of your compassion and forgiveness in my life. May I thirst no more. Amen.
