Lived-out Exultet


Eastertide concerns brokenness, which characterises the story of the Samaritan woman (John 4,1-26): it asks us to consider that “the Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34,18). This realisation permits us to live our conversion because, quoting Saint Augustine, “In my deepest wound I saw your glory and it dazzled me”.   

Lent allowed us to consider the emptiness that accompanies those seeking fulfilment in empty relationships – she had multiple relationships (John 4,16-18) and satisfaction in the wrong places: in the possibility of not having to come to the well. 

‘Comfort sought?’ Partly, because she came to the well alone and at noon, avoiding others either due to shame or rejection: an outcast in her community (John 4,6-7)? 

Not ignoring her, we are similar: at times, we are shamed by our attitudes or choices, other times we are ostracised for no apparent reason. These experiences can break or make us, offering an opportunity to consider things, clear the mind, and move on. 

We are invited not to despair because “the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23,1). Living this conviction, we confidently pass through the narrow door of salvation: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pastures” (John 10,9). 

Negating goodness, which associates with ‘completeness’  (Shalom), spells dissatisfaction and emptiness, specified by Jeremiah: “For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns-broken cisterns that cannot hold water ” (Jeremiah 2,13). 

The prophet provides us with an important insight: not to strengthen the illusion of being in control. The woman at the well reaffirms it by accepting the water offered by Jesus because, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal” (John 4,14). He is Risen!

Martin


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