The Samaritan Woman has gone into the city, leaving Jesus and the Disciples at the well. The Disciples tell him to eat something. After all, someone has to look out for the rabbi--he's too busy having these conversations with everyone. And what does Jesus do? He launches into the same kind of discourse with them.
Enough already! It's at about this time that John's portrayal of Jesus begins to get on my nerves. Does this Jesus enjoy bombarding everyone with mystical allegory? Or does he just like showing off? I realize that John is trying to make a point, but by this stage we have more than got the point.
The whole harvest image transitions back to the Samaritan Woman, who has been spreading the word (sowing) and bringing new believers to see Jesus for themselves (and reaping). I caught this connection for the first time this evening. Even in my frustration with the reading, I have learned something new. Burridge adds to this by pointing out
In fact, the woman has been doing the work of a disciple--giving her testimony, her witness, through which others are coming to faith for themselves. (p. 73)Hmmm...a woman doing the work of a disciple...hmmm....
Peace,
Jeffri
Is there some kind of discourse going on among the Bishops around these readings? If so...yes, women as ministers, fancy that. But will they hear? Probably not. Oh, well!
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