Jesus' Gift to All - Fr. Paul - May 17, 2020

Today in Orthodoxy is known as the Sunday of The Samaritan Woman. The Gospel reading comes to us from John 4:5-42. In this pericope Jesus approaches a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well and asks her for a drink. She is surprised by the request because the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans and in antiquity men did not speak to women other than their wives or daughters. Father Paul shares with us that this Gospel message is intriguing on two accounts. First it demonstrates how the love of Christ is for all people regardless of race, creed or gender. And secondly that the gift of The Holy Spirit Jesus offers to the Samaritan woman is the same gift He offers to each of us who struggle with the frustrations and worries of life. We as Orthodox Christians acquire the Holy Spirit at Baptism, but during the course of our lives must nurture this relationship through repentance, faith and observance of the Commandments. Father Paul encourages us to know God with our minds and hearts and therefore we will find peace in life and know Eternity.