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Reading
John 4:4-7
Jesus had to go through Samaria. So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.”
Devotion
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| Jory Mertens' Art Portfolio: Cubism & Love of Jesus | ArtByJory |
Jory Mertens is a Carthage, Missouri-based artist. He works in digital fine art and illustration, often using cubist, geometric, and fauvist elements. Many of his works are based on his view of Jesus as being radically inclusive. His online works may be found at the link in the caption above. His art was recently featured here: The Open Table: Art that Welcomes All - The Diocese of West Missouri
Today is the Feast of Photini, the Woman at the Well. This is the work of art at the top. The work below is the encounter between Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery. I love the simplicity in the former work. The postures of the woman and Jesus as they look into the well. The lack of facial detail allows us to project ourselves into the work to ponder our own place as a bringer of or receiver of the Gospel. I added the second picture because I find its use of color compelling. The postures are contrasted as the woman and Jesus meet eye to eye in a glance. The onlookers have only judgement whereas between Jesus and the woman there is something much more gracious and life-giving.
In Eastern Christian tradition, the woman's name at the time of her meeting Jesus is unknown, though she was later christened "Photina" which means 'light bringer' or 'illuminated one.' Her continuing witness is said to have brought so many to the Christian faith that she is described as "equal to the apostles". Eventually, according to legend, having drawn the attention of Emperor Nero, she was brought before him to answer for her faith, suffering many tortures and dying a martyr after being thrown down a dry well.
Where in your own life, dear reader, do you find areas of dryness? Perhaps it is in pondering new beginnings forced upon you or loved ones by outside circumstances? Maybe it is time to ask for a drink...or to give one to someone in need--a drink that comes from your own practice of the loving, gracious, forgiveness of Jesus that looks the dead and dry areas of life in the eye and says with loving defiance, "There is a well of living water within me!"
Prayer
O Almighty God, whose most blessed Son revealed to the Samaritan woman that He is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the World; Grant us to drink of the well that springs up to everlasting life that we may worship you in spirit and in truth through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Lesser Feasts and Fasts)