Scientific research is repeatedly showing us that we are losing community and connection.  We are becoming more isolated as individuals.  Wouldn’t it be an amazing world if everyone practiced the acceptance that Jesus practiced? 

The Samaritan woman (John 4: 5- 42) went to the well in the middle of the day, possibly because she was an outsider, a loner. Most of the women came to the community well early in the day, so that there would be water available in their homes throughout the day.  In the morning “everyone” was at the well.  In the morning was when you caught up on the news, when you found out what was going on in the community, who was sick, who was having problems, who had something to celebrate, etc… 

This woman came in the middle of the day.  No one else was there.  She did not have to worry about the conversations that people whisper and the sideways glances that people give. She did not feel a part of the community, she was abandoned and alone. This woman came to the well, probably just like any other day.  She was expecting to be alone and not bothered.  Instead she meets Jesus and she experiences acceptance and she even finds a sense of community.  Not just finds it at the well; she recognizes it and goes out to offer it, she goes out looking for it. 

Her life is transformed; transformed from a place of isolated solitude to a place of invitation, acceptance, and even courage.  Jesus offered her a cup of community by asking for a drink. 

In our congregations, there are people just like the Samaritan woman, trying to avoid others for fear of how they will feel rejected. How might we offer acceptance to others?  Can we stop to hear their story?  Do we invite them into a relationship?  Can we invite them to let us listen to their story?  Can we allow people to be who they are and accept them as people who love life and who love God?

As members of congregations can we pay attention to those around us—who  is sneaking off to the well in the middle of the day so that they don’t have to deal with others?  How might we meet that person at the well and ask for a drink?  How might we share community and acceptance?

Beth Kennett, August 2011