Dear Friend 

Reflection by Dianne M. Traflet, J.D., S.T.D.

No Buckets Needed

When seminarian, Luke Fuller, wrote about being disappointed when he arrived at the Jordan River, I concurred wholeheartedly. It was muddy and unattractive.  But Luke (unlike me!)  didn’t allow first impressions to distract from inspiration, as he concluded: “Although the Jordan River may be underwhelming compared to the majesty of God, He chose this place as part of His plan.”

This reminds me of today’s reading about the Woman at the Well.  Sometimes God is asking us to see Him in unexpected places, even in circumstances that do not seem too inspiring.  How do we speak to God in the unsightly and unseemly scenes and circumstances of our lives?

I think of the Samaritan woman, weighed down by her difficult life, advising Jesus: “Sir, you do not even have a bucket...” (Jn. 4:11). Can you imagine? The woman was talking to the Son of God! Poor man, she thought, he wants water, and he doesn’t even have a container.

I think of the Samaritan woman, weighed down by her difficult life, advising Jesus: “Sir, you do not even have a bucket...” (Jn. 4:11). Can you imagine?  The woman was talking to the Son of God!  Poor man, she thought, he wants water, and he doesn’t even have a container.

I wonder if I’ve ever spoken to God that way: “You don’t even…”    Maybe not those particular words, but I know there have been times that I have limited God: “This prayer is a tough one, Lord; there are a lot of obstacles in Your way here for this request to be granted.”  As if God Almighty doesn’t know.

I remember a day decades ago when I prayed for a specific intention. As soon as I said “Amen,” and blessed myself, I thought, “Wait, that’s almost an impossible prayer.” So, I blessed myself again, thinking it best to start afresh. It was as though I were saying to God: “I think you might need a Plan B, Lord.”  As soon as I started the new prayer, I said: “Wait, you’re God! What am I doing? With You, Lord, ‘all things are possible’” (Mt. 19:27) I’ll trust You with the first prayer!”   I blessed myself again.   The next day, I was amazed; the Plan A prayer was granted.  I think God wanted not only to bless my specific intention that day, but He also desired to give me a memory of His loving attention that would last a lifetime.  I believe He wanted to give me some encouragement to have bold confidence in my spiritual life.

Our Lord didn’t need a bucket. Do we?  The Samaritan woman, after talking with Jesus, left her own bucket behind, and ran to share the Good News.  Might God be asking us to do the same?  Jesus’ desire was not to draw water, but to draw out the Samaritan woman, leading her into relationship with Him and with others. Jesus had entered the woman’s space, and pain, and helped her to see her dignity and worth in God’s eyes.  Perhaps the Samaritan woman was led to hear: “Let go of your past hurts and your self-protective ways. Get rid of the bucket and start anew!”

I can imagine Jesus smiling as the Samaritan woman left her bucket: “You were right: I don’t have a bucket, and you now don’t need one either.”

Maybe this Lent, we need to get rid of our buckets, even our bucket lists.  Perhaps it’s time to allow God to be a God of Surprises, to meet us when we least expect a Divine visit!

Prayer: 

Lord,  may we never put limits on your love. Surprise us, Lord, with a Divine conversation; help us to listen. Surprise us, Lord, with your Divine presence; help us to see. Surprise us, Lord, with your Divine plans for us; help us to follow. Amen.

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Dianne M. Traflet, J.D., S.T.D., Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Administration and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology, earned a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, an M.A. in Catholic Theology and Pastoral Ministry from The Institute of Advanced Studies of Catholic Doctrine, St. John's University, and an S.T.L. and an S.T.D. from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (The Angelicum), Rome. Dr. Traflet is a key leader in the Center for Diaconal Formation, and she gives numerous lectures, retreats, and days of recollection, including some specific to wives of deacons and deacon candidates. She is the author of Edith Stein: A Spiritual Portrait (Pauline Media, 2008).