Today we hear about Jesus meeting a Samaritan woman at a well.  As with many of the stories of Jesus’ interaction with people, it challenges our preconceptions, breaks cultural and traditional taboos and cuts through the barriers we so easily put up between ourselves and those who are different from us.  The encounter changes the woman’s life.  The shunned outcast becomes a beacon of light, Jesus’ light, for her community.

As we journey through Lent we unravel Jesus’ way of seeing people.  Even though He knows the worst about them, He points them to God’s Grace and Love in a way which shatters their own guilt and lack of self-forgiveness.  As we try to follow His Way for our lives this is a vital lesson.  As we walk together, alongside each other on our personal journeys, traveling towards His Light and Love, so we are called to support each other regardless of previous baggage and differences.

That is why we need the help of the Holy Spirit, working within our hearts and souls to give us Jesus’ eyes and ears.  The Disciples who walked on earth alongside Jesus were a motley crew, yet their desire to learn from Jesus and willingness to follow Him overcame their differences.

That is why we meet together, why we focus on Jesus not our differences.

Join us to find what Jesus has for you!

God Bless,

REV Mark RS Smith