The outstanding story of the third week is that of Jesus and
the Samaritan woman at the well. Her life was not easy but
she found encouragement and acceptance in the company of Jesus
(Jn 4:5-42). How much understanding and acceptance do we offer
when we meet people who live by a different code than ourselves?
As we grow in understanding of ourselves, we come face to face
with a God who clearly states “I am who I am” (Ex
3:1-8;13-15) Implicit in this is God’s longing for us
to be. However, being true to ourselves can be unpopular, as
Jesus
discovered when he declared who he was in his home town (Lk
4:24-30). How easy it is to diminish others in our suspicion
and wariness
of them. How often we compromise when feeling threatened by
others criticsim and rejection.
The week ends with the heartfelt plea of Hosea to come back
to God, not only at difficult times but constantly and with
fidelity
(Hos 14:2-10) In the humility of the tax collector’s prayer
there is consolation for us in our struggle for understanding
of ourselves and others. How often pride in our accomplishment,
our possessions and how we like to present ourselves to the world
can lead us away from any real sense of who we are and what we
truly need so that we might live out of the fullness of our being.
- Do I treat others as I wish to be treated?
- Is my criticism undermining someone or something?
- Am I afraid of losing face?
- Do I trust freely?
- Do I live by the rules rather than compassion?
- Am I impressed by appearances?
- Am I faithful to my promises?
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