Jesus initiates an encounter
THE GIFT OF ENCOUNTER
Life is filled with promises with so many options for each of us that in the living of it we often move and choose at random. And then one day along the way of “life-ing” there is an encounter a meeting a chance a choice an opportunity for living life in a deeper, fuller way than ever before.
Jesus meets a woman at a well. (John 4:1-42)
Time Alone
Some wisdom from our leader, Pope Francis
Jesus himself is the model of this method of evangelization which brings us to the very heart of his people. How good it is for us to contemplate the closeness which he shows to Thoughts and suggestions
This text appears in the early chapters of John’s gospel. In the encounter Jesus reveals himself as Messiah to a Samaritan, a Samaritan woman who is an outsider in her own community. Through this he is teaching the universal nature of his mission – that it is not for the Jews alone. There is wonderful art work on this text and although readily available on the net acquiring copyright was not easy at all. I have chosen these two: Through Marko Rupnika’s mosaic, which is in the chapel of the Ursulines sisters in Slovenia, we are drawn into the encounter through the gestures and the eye contact. Notice she is pouring out the ashes of her life and receiving the promised living water. In the other which rests in the grounds of Chester Cathedral the focus is on the encounter between Jesus and the woman. I find that art so often breaks open new insights for people, and the sharing with others expands the understanding and appreciation of the text. Poetry, art and music are the language of the soul. I suggest that you encourage people to have a go at writing some poetry – it is a wonderful way to ‘get inside’ another in a way that speaks to your life and experience. And often invitations emerge as you write. I know that from experience. Hopefully this prayer will alert participants to the potential for life that is possible in daily and often unexpected encounters. That is where we live and share the good news, just as Jesus did. |