INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the fourth gospel is explicit and well known: that those who hear it might
believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief they might have life in his name. As such, the engendering of faith which leads to eternal life lies at the very heart of John’s purpose. Eternal life, however, is not simply something which we will inherit at our death or receive at our Lord’s second coming, but it is the very present possession of God’s people. John would have us understand that eternal life already belongs to everyone who trusts in him. Since eternal life is a present reality, how this life is defined, and what it looks like.
The gospel of John for me is the Gospel of life. It gives meaning to my life. It is full of life and has many referrals through signs and symbols that apply to life. John's narrative about Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman captures my attention. As for me since at present I am studying at DIVYADAAN, I would like to take up the chapter 4 of John. [Jesus with the woman of Samaria, (1:42)]
As for me I would like to reflect on LIFE therefore in my part of reflection I would take up persons and signs that shows “ Importance of Life “ not only life alone but life in the presence of the lord - Living Rightly and Living Holy. Let us now have a look at the persons in the passage and their role as I shed light upon them through my spectacles in a creative way.
JESUS
In verse 1, Jesus is making and baptizing more disciples.
Jesus used when he invited those who “labor and are burdened” to come to him (Mt 11:28).
As a Salesian, we too, are called to invite more people for the sake of the Lord and his Kingdom. We too should have more youngsters joining us just as Jesus had disciples following him wherever and everywhere he went. As Salesians we should be able to attract youngsters by our example and our creative way.
In verse 6, Jesus is tired by his Journey.
Who could recognize in the sweaty, weary, thirsty Jesus the promised Messiah?
As Salesians, we too, get tired but let this not be a block to our ministry that is to say, that we are to serve the Lord in all our strength and we die. Don Bosco has very often used this saying; “We will have our rest only in heaven.”So let us in all humility and sincerity work for the Kingdom of our Lord.
In verse 7-26, Jesus is dialoging with the Samaritan Woman.
As Jesus approached Jacob’s well in Samaria, two thirsty people meet. Jesus sees a woman who has a parched soul. She came to draw water at noon, is a clear cut clue that she was an outcast from the “respectable” women. She was a public sinner (prostitute). Breaking all conventions, Jesus speaks to a strange woman, and a Samaritan at that. Love only seeks to be loved in return, “Give me a drink” (Jn 4:7).The Lord of heaven and earth makes the first move to capture the heart of his sinful creature. Even the woman is surprised that Jesus spoke to her.
As a Salesian, we too, must make the first move to start just as Jesus does with the Samaritan woman at the well. Our Father and Founder, Don Bosco also followed the same trick to catch youngsters of his time to make them good Christians and honest citizens of this world. So let us in our dealing with the youth be the first to approach.
Jesus at this very moment in the dialogue touches her heart, disturbs her totally, and saves her soul. For me (Romero) as a Religious, as a Salesian, and as a Human, this whole aspect of heart and soul has changed the meaning of my whole life. It is this very meaning that’s always burning within me, a flame of zeal, enthusiasm, passion, and the fire i.e. in following Don Bosco’s motto: “DA MIHI ANIMAS CETERA TOLLE”. It is my only dream and goal to save souls, esp. of the YOUTH.
In verse 34, Jesus says, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me to complete his work.”
As a Salesian, we too are called to be and to know, that our will is to do our mission as Don Bosco. I would also see this verse in the light of as to Don Bosco promises us to posses, “ bread, work and heaven” and so invites us to be part of him. Ultimately, what is of importance our soul and that of the other.
SAMARITAN WOMAN
I would like each one of you, whosoever is reading this particular passage to place yourself in the place of this woman and do reflect as to what Jesus would ask you and the account of your life, basing on what life you are living. Imagine yourself being given the Living Water and the knowledge of Spirit and Truth.
As I was reflecting, I simply placed myself in the place of this woman and had the experience of what I really needed. Definitely, I would like to share but I believe that each one will have an experience of what he/she really needs and want from the Lord. So make your own experience…………..
As a part, on reflecting on the passage I received insights on the woman and would like to present.
In verse 7-25, The Samaritan Woman was in dialogue with Jesus.
I have divided this particular scene of the dialogue in three points, basically:-
Conservation – The Samaritan Woman dialogues with Jesus in an Ignorant way, a body language that shows Hesitation, mind filled with Doubts and Clarifications and a face of worries.
Conversion – In the dialogue, there is a sort of radical conversion taking place of her heart and mind. Wherein there is the openness of heart to listen and change. There is also the realization of the presence of the Lord and the knowledge that he is HE.
Challenge – Once she goes under this conversion, she accepts the will of God in her life and immediately goes to proclaim about the Lord and invites the people to COME AND SEE, this expression of hers shows that she has not only converted her self but also began the mission of her life, i.e. , to go and proclaim. A disciple of Christ and A missionary for Christ.
THE C’s FORMULA, CHRIST – CONVERSATION, CONVERSION, CHALLENGE.
DISCIPLES
In a nutshell, Disciples were those who were with Jesus at all times. As Christians, we too are disciples of Christ, and it is our duty to serve him and love for all ages.
SAMARITAN PEOPLE
In verse 39, they believed because of the Woman’s Testimony.
We too are called to be Living testimony among the humankind more especially, among the youth. We must bear witness to our faith in love.
In verse 41, and more believed because of his word.
We too are called to believe in his word, for us it is the Sacred Scriptures, Church Teachings and As Salesians, we must also follow our constitution as a word given by Don Bosco himself.
There are also certain signs and words that strike in this passage such as LIVING WATER, SPIRIT, TRUTH, SOWERS and REAPERS, AND FRUITS.
Since the Gospel of John is also known for the number SEVEN in this passage I’ve found seven different ways to call Jesus they are as follows:-
A JEW, SIR, PROPHET, MESSIAH, CHRIST, RABBI, and SAVIOUR
CONCLUSION
To conclude, I would sincerely thank you, Fr. Steve for taking a course on Scriptures which has definitely helped me grow in knowledge and love of Jesus and Scriptures. I would also like to appreciate the dedication, sacrifice and love you showed to each one of us of being a true Salesian. The creative way of conducting the course has given me new insights for my own apostolate in my Salesian way of Life.
Think about this ...I reflected on this because I Live in this place called Divyadaan: The gift of God
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