We all have private parts of our lives which we would rather not have broadcast. These might details of present or past behaviour or relationships, misdemeanours or just embarrassing times and events. It is not that these details are hidden from everyone; it is just that it is not the right of all others to know everything about us. We like to reserve parts of our lives for those closest to us, or those whom we trust and want to share them when the time is ready. We do this because not everyone is worthy of our trust. As we age the list of both those who are worthy of trust and those who are not grows longer. To those who are worthy of trust we continue to share deeply and accept their wisdom. This is the preferred way of growing in relationship with others. Incidentally, it is one of the great reasons that confession is individual and secret, not public and published. It is reasonable to assume that the woman at the well lived with the same assumptions, so imagine if a stranger came up to you and revealed the hidden parts of your life.
Jesus arrives at the well and can see that something is amiss. In desert climates the only people who draw water in the middle of the day are those who want to avoid others. Obviously this woman wishes to avoid others. She is confronted by Jesus, a complete stranger and from her traditional enemies, the Jews, who is able to tell her a large part of her story without denigrating her. He showed her respect and dignity. When confronted with this, she has the option of withdrawing into herself or seeing in this kindly prophet as a possibility of growth. Jesus tells her part of her own difficult story and she chooses growth; far from being ashamed, horrified or angry, the woman is excited and becomes a prophet for her people. The man who knows all about her dies not judge, but offers her this thing called living water.
In the Western Desert, living water is spring water that comes from the depths of the earth. People travel great distances to obtain this water, since it is reputed to have unique qualities, bringing life, healing, health and happiness. Interestingly, desert people go to great lengths to have living water used at baptisms. The analogy is the same as in the Gospel. This living water is the word of God, accepted joyfully by the Samaritan woman and offered to us all day after day. This living water, this revelation of God to us is not something to fear. The coming into our lives of someone who accepts us as we are and who we are celebrates this and urges us on to greater things is a person to hold on to and follow.
If we try to go through life entirely on our own resources, we will eventually thirst, like Israelites in the desert, as anger, frustration and torment take their toll. Moses offered the people water, and people became thirsty again. Jesus offered the Samaritan Woman his spirit and assured her that this was the way to avoid the pitfalls of life in the future. St Paul, in his Letter to the Romans, reminds us that Jesus gives us this gift without receiving our answer. His death on the Cross was given freely for all people, while we were still sinners. Our task is to use and live this gift. Paul tells us that this hope is not deceptive, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts buy the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.
We can listen to this voice and grow in faith, continuing to allow our loving God into our life, or we can harden our hearts like the Israelites did at Meriba and Massah. One way leads to life, the other to stagnation and death. This Lent the Samaritan Woman leads us to open our hearts and lives to the living water of Christ’s Spirit.
Homily, 27th March 2011, 3rd Sunday in Lent, Year A, OLQP.
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