There was an article in the news recently about the difficulties in workplace communication caused by frequent use of social media.  Those whose primary means of communication are digital, such as social media and messaging apps, become accustomed to responding to others at their leisure.  In the workplace, communication is often in-person and immediate; according to the news article, those accustomed to self-paced communication struggle with responding thoughtfully without delay. 

There is a great deal of skill involved in having thoughtful conversations, and not all of that skill is verbal.  Long pauses or frequent distraction can give the message that one is not interested in the other person.  For example, if your spouse asks whether you like a particular thing such as a birthday gift they gave you, a meal they prepared for you, or an activity they suggested to you, your spouse expects an immediate response; waiting for an hour, a day, or a week is not advised. 

The Samaritan woman in today’s Gospel reading had many unresolved issues.  Her responses to Jesus portray her as a person who was insecure or burdened with shame.  Working very much in her favor, however, was her ability to remain engaged in the conversation that Jesus initiated. 

When Jesus requested a drink of water, the Samaritan woman responded with disbelief.  Jesus addressed her disbelief with the offer of “living water.” (Jn 4:10)  The phrase “living water” can be translated as “running water” or “water of life”; both meanings are overt references to baptism.  Jesus’ offer didn’t immediately overcome the woman’s disbelief, but she remained interested in what he had to say. 

Jesus pushed the woman past her reticence by mentioning her five consecutive marriages, a piece of information that revealed him to be a prophet. (Jn 4:19)  She continued to deflect his attempts to reach her until he spoke plainly to identify himself as the messiah. (Jn 4:26)  It’s unclear whether she put complete trust in Jesus’ claim, but she was sufficiently intrigued to invite the townsfolk to meet Jesus. (Jn 4:39) 

The crucial event for the Samaritan woman seemed to have been the fact that Jesus enumerated her personal failures but did not shame her. (Jn 4:39)  Jesus’ acceptance of her religious background and marital status allowed her to move beyond her distrust to an encounter with the Savior.  She struggled with misconceptions and doubts but remained actively engaged in conversation with Jesus; for this reason, the Gospel presents her as a model of faith. 

Everyone’s life of faith resembles the Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus.  Everyone faces struggle, misunderstanding, and doubt in the process of recognizing Jesus as Savior.  The example of the Samaritan woman encourages us to remain hopeful in our struggles because the only true failure of faith occurs when we abandon the struggle. 

Beginning Monday afternoon, I’ll lead a parish mission for Lent; the goal of the mission is to teach some of the prayer and decision-making skills that are essential to success in the life of faith.  Some basic skills are needed for us to imitate the Samaritan woman’s perseverance. 

The Lenten mission will present the Gospel readings from Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday as lessons in coming to know God, growing in trust of God, and choosing a virtuous life.  The daily sessions will begin at 4:00 p.m. and will be livestreamed on the parish website.  Each session will provide information about the Gospel reading, guided prayer with the Scripture, and help toward discerning God’s will for your life. 

The normal struggles of life can become obstacles to growth in faith.  Inattentiveness in prayer, procrastination in forgiveness, and ignoring charitable works lead to a frustrated and failed faith life.  You are invited to spend a few days of experiencing the “living water” of Jesus’ teaching and the growth in knowledge and love of God that results from his promise.