The Samaritan woman said to Him, “How can you a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?”(John 5:9)
The woman was aloof because she was aware of the law that Samaritans must not communicate and relate with Jews.
But Jesus communicated to the woman for a higher purpose. He initiated the conversation because Jesus wanted the woman’s conversion. Jesus did not offer just water but salvation to the woman.
Jesus broke the cultural norm that almost suppressed the salvation of the woman. The norm alienates the woman from Jesus. But Jesus spells the salvific law of communion.
This is a big lesson for us indigenous peoples. We must admit that there are elements or aspects of our culture that suppress the growth of our faith and even cultural norms and practices that impose fear to people in order to obey a ritual that is against the will of a person or a family.
There are also aspects of our culture that demand to butcher animals beyond the economic reach of a family.
Culture, truly, is our identity but we are Christians baptized in Jesus. The law of Jesus supersedes any law. Hence, let us open our cultural identity and cultural norms and practices to be blessed and purified by the gospel of Jesus. Only then can we converted fully and be disciples of Jesus.
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come not to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17)
We can see the beautiful progress of the woman’s conversion.
At first, Jesus was a stranger to the woman. Then Jesus became a sir. Then the woman started to see the unique features of Jesus and treated him as a prophet. Finally, Jesus revealed himself as the Messiah to finally change the heart of the woman to a believer. Salvation dawned on the Samaritan woman because of Jesus’ offer, “Give me something to drink.”
The beautiful story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman is a celebration of Women’s Month. Jesus showed impartiality to lift the dignity of a woman.
Besao is one of the most peaceful towns of Mountain Province.
On arrival in Besao, I took the chance to roam and look for good coffee. The first restaurant I entered informed me that brewed coffee is rarely served in restaurants.
I was a bit disappointed. But when I entered the Besao Municipal Police Station, the policemen welcomed me and offered overflowing coffee.
I also learned from the people and from the police of Besao there is no “inuman” in town. Nobody stays late in the evening as people are aware of the curfew.
Besao MPS OIC Capt. Janice Pating appreciates the collaboration of the community and the police in the promotion of peace especially in the Poblacion. I simply said, “Sana all!”
I was elated to be with the Besao police and it was their first time to join a spiritual upliftment.
Besao MPS under the baton of a beautiful and snappy woman spells Women’s Month. Janice is an example of the motto, “Life is beautiful.” She is proof that women are indeed capable leaders. Women are naturally born with intuition. Women are the best bearers of hope at home, in the community, and in every difficulty. Happy Women’s Month!
You are invited to the Marcsongs concert on March 30.
Reach me at [email protected].
