Devotional 3-19-14

Please read John 4:5-42

In this passage, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman.  Samaritans were, to Jews, outsiders--outcasts, different, marginalized by society.  As a Jew, Jesus could have ignored this woman, but he did not.  Jesus does not treat this woman as a second-class citizen.  Instead, he speaks with her, invites her to return to him at the well, and even reveals himself to her. This theme of God’s concern for those considered to be outsiders is seen time and again throughout the Bible.  Widows, orphans, foreigners--God’s laws call for the care of these people who otherwise may not be cared for: leave some food in your garden for the hungry; don’t over-tax the poor; the good news is for Gentiles.

Take a moment to consider who in our modern society is a “Samaritan.” Who amongst us is marginalized and outcast in our present day?  The potential list is endless.  Many who come to mind include the unemployed, the homeless, LGBT persons, foreigners struggling to learn our language and customs, the uneducated, those with an unsavory background, criminals, the disabled, the underdressed or unconnected, those who are bullied and even those who inflict the bullying. How can you take the lesson of this parable and put it into action in your everyday life?

In John 4, Jesus tells his disciples the “fields are ripe for harvesting…I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor.”  For what are we laboring?  What are we preparing for the reapers who will come after us?  Are we sowing seeds of love, justice, and acceptance among those overlooked by society?  Do we treat all graciously so the reapers of tomorrow will find a generation made to feel included in the Kingdom of God, or do we cast others aside, letting each fend for themselves even in the face of adversity?

Allow this season of Lent to be used for God’s labor.  Make it your time for seeking out, welcoming, and serving those on the edges.  Let us welcome those who have been excluded and turned away, who need to know and feel they belong in the Kingdom.

Loving God, lead us in ministry to those in the margins.  Fill us with your mercy and grace, that we may be merciful and gracious. Amen.

Marcia Canterbury