Evangelisation
This weekend we hear proclaimed the familiar gospel of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well. Just like a well this scripture is deep and nourishing. I know this scripture well, having spent many hours reflecting on it. However, after spending time reflecting on mission at the Australasian Divine Renovation conference a few weeks ago it was the evangelisation in and from this encounter that struck a chord in me.
It was Jesus’ simplicity and ease in entering conversation with the Samaritan woman, an outcast in her village, and the content of their conversation that resonated. Jesus chose not to preach to her, He didn’t tell her that her sins are forgiven, make any judgement, or offer her some other kind of pastoral help. Instead, he opened their conversation by asking her for help, for a drink. He connected with her on their common ground of physical need. He treated her as an equal, with love and respect, and in so doing allowed her innate human dignity to shine.
Moved by her encounter, and new belief in Jesus, she went back to her village and shared with the community her story of encounter with Jesus. Attracted by her testimony and witness the villagers too sought out Jesus… and her whole village were evangelised.
As Christians evangelisation is our mission. Our faith, our relationship with Jesus, invites us daily to share the Good News of salvation. The dismissal at the end of Mass sends us to do just this. Is this something we intentionally choose to do? Our testimony and witness are very powerful and attractive. Have we a particular evangelisation story that we can share with others, and with whom will we choose to do this? How do our interactions with others witness to the Good News of salvation?
Debbie Matheson
Lay Pastoral Leader/Parish Leader
