Third Sunday Of Lent

Maryknoll Lay Missioner Gabe Hurrish reflects on Jesus’s radical love and seeing Jesus in others, especially the marginalized.

What was that woman doing collecting water at noon? I have lived in Africa for decades, and everyone knows that you collect water in the early morning and early evening. It is cooler, and that is when you need it. This woman was coming in the heat of the day. Perhaps she was an outcast? Not welcome to mix with the others. Or ashamed of herself? But for whatever reason, she comes when no one is at the well. Except….Jesus.

Jesus was a rather radical individual in those days. He did things outside the normally acceptable confines of Jewish traditions and life. Today’s Gospel reading is an absolutely astounding encounter Jesus has with a Samaritan woman. In this meeting, Jesus breaks all the rules of a Jewish society that rejects those who are not part of the traditional Hebrew heritage.

Jesus is alone when meeting this woman. Jesus greets the woman. Jesus actually speaks to the woman first and asks her to provide for him. Then Jesus agrees to stay in Samaritan territory and evangelize. Lots of stuff to unpack there. One way to gauge the radical nature of these actions is that it states his followers were amazed that he was speaking with this woman. They didn’t ask him any questions. Maybe they didn’t want to hear the challenging answers Jesus always gave when confronted for his unexpected actions.

In Africa, where I have served for decades, there is tremendous tension between different ethnic groups. It seems they just cannot overcome the hostility they feel toward people who are from a different group. Violence, cattle raids, fighting and revenge are so common that the children grow up thinking this is normal.

As missionaries, our efforts are aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation among all peoples, ensuring the dignity of life and unity in a common cause. This is not easy as prejudice and hatred run long and deep. Revenge is the modus operandi for many of the people in this world today. In much of my work, there are ethnic groups who seem unable to overcome the differences in their tribes. It can be frustrating, but I find solace in the way Jesus treats everyone around him. It seems to me that Jesus met people where they were and worked with their frailties and lackings.

What resonates with me in this parable is how FIRST Jesus entices this woman into conversation. THEN she slowly changes. Jesus reveals truths to her that change her life. THEN she goes off to spread the word to others. This is the way of God. We too need to overcome our fears and reach out to Jesus. Our pride prevents us from learning some harsh truths about ourselves. We are all sinners.

Are we so afraid of someone who is different? We have to “look into our hearts” like Jesus did. Do my actions have any positive impact on those around me? Do others see me and realize I am treating others just as Jesus treated the Samaritan woman?

One of my favorite passages is what we read today:
“…But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.”

I have witnessed people all over the world and from different faith beliefs who are better Christians than myself. They worship in spirit and truth. No matter our situation, status, color, religion, or belief, we are all one in God’s eyes. We need to recognize Jesus in others. We need to worship in spirit and truth. God’s will be done.

Maryknoll Lay Missioner Gabe Hurrish, who joined the Maryknoll Lay Missioners in 2017, serves in South Sudan, a country wracked by armed conflict, displacement and hunger. A lifelong missioner, he has worked overseas for over 30 years in 11 countries, mostly in Africa.