John 4:15-26

 John 4:15-26

People are profoundly religious.  They are also profoundly aware of their moral condition. Our religious inclinations and our moral conscience are bound together. In the course of the conversation Jesus brings to light this woman's moral condition. She was five times divorced and was currently cohabiting with a man outside of marriage. Often we have looked at this passage with an emphasis on pity for this woman. She is seen as a victim, and no doubt she was to some degree. But we should not neglect the fact that she was also a participant and had her own moral responsibilities. There is a dreadful tendency to direct blame to some unidentified and vague “other”.  Jesus would have none of that.  She carried a distinct burden of guilt and it was hers justly. She was not a wholly innocent victim.

Confronted with the reality of the immorality of her life she turns the conversation to a question of religion. Many argue that this is an attempt by the woman to change the subject to take attention off her personal situation and move it onto a discussion of the vagaries of the locale of sacrifice. That may be misguided. She didn’t need to ask questions about where sacrifices should occur.  Every Samaritan knew how Jews would answer this question and every Jew knew how Samaritans answered this question.

What if this question was about “How do I effectively deal with my guilt?” Perhaps she was, by the realization that Jesus was special, was compelled to face the core issue of her life. Confronted by guilt perhaps she wants an answer to the question “How can I become un-guilty?” Sacrifices on Mount Gerizim haven't worked. Would sacrifices on Mount Zion be more effective? Guilt can be a wonderful thing. It can turn us and compel us to find a real solution, not just a cover up. It must never be used as a way to manipulate people, but like any real thing it can have value.  And guilt is very, very real. We are reluctant to be frank and honest with people when they feel guilty. It is easier to patronize them with vague spiritual delicacies so we will not have to get into the nitty-gritty of what makes us feel guilty. We are afraid they will say we are judgmental. But an important distinction needs to be made, we are judged by our own hearts, guilt is just the reminder. A reminder we want to avoid. It is better that we face it.

“Lord, send your conviction on me so that I will always seek Your forgiveness.  AMEN”