by Kenny Soosai
Readings: Jere 1:11-19, Rom 1:1-15, John 4:27-42
Gospel: At that moment his
disciples returned, and were amazed that he was talking with a woman, but still
no one said, "What are you looking for?" or "Why are you talking
with her?" The woman left her water jar and went into the town and said to
the people, "Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could he
possibly be the Messiah?"
They went out of the town and came to him. Meanwhile, the disciples
urged him, "Rabbi, eat." But he said to them, "I have food to
eat of which you do not know." So the disciples said to one another,
"Could someone have brought him something to eat?" Jesus said to
them, "My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his
work.
Do you not say, 'In four months the harvest will be here'? I tell you,
look up and see the fields ripe for the harvest. The reaper is already
receiving his payment and gathering crops for eternal life, so that the sower
and reaper can rejoice together.
For here the saying is verified that 'One sows and another reaps.' I
sent you to reap what you have not worked for; others have done the work, and
you are sharing the fruits of their work." Many of the Samaritans of that
town began to believe in him because of the word of the woman who testified,
"He told me everything I have done."
When the Samaritans came to him, they invited him to stay with them; and
he stayed there two days. Many more began to believe in him because of his
word, and they said to the woman, "We no longer believe because of your
word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the
savior of the world."
Reflection: As Jesus’ disciple return, they are amazed to find their
teacher talking with a woman. Yet they trusted Jesus and knew by now that he
had his reasons for talking to the Samaritan woman, as unconventional as it may
seem. The woman in turn leaves her jar behind and starts to evangelize to the
rest of the town. Instead of being scorned, the people become curious and come
to meet Jesus.
As they approach Jesus, he sees them as a great harvest that God has
granted and rejoices. Jesus is no longer affected by hunger and is filled with
joy knowing that his message will be accepted here. Age old conflicts are forgotten
and old enemies are now friends.
A Step to Consider: Do we have any prejudices against anyone or a group
of people? Do we judge others because of their different religious beliefs, a
different Christian denomination, cultural background or sexual orientation?
Take time to examine the example that Jesus sets here.
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