I used the Gospel Contemplation form of prayer, where after reading the passage a couple of times, I close my eyes and immerse myself in the scene.
I became the Samarian woman. It was scorching hot out, full sun, midday. As I approached the well and saw a strange man there, I became uneasy and wary. I noticed that no one else was around, and I wasn't sure if I was safe.
Then the man spoke to me. I dared not look at him. He asked me for a drink of water. I was shocked! Was this a trick? What was his motive? Surely this man did not need my help, I thought. Why is he speaking to me anyways? His kind don't speak to my kind; it's just unheard of.
But then I noticed that I didn't sense any danger. I didn't feel threatened, and there were no bad vibes on my radar. I considered his request. I trusted my instincts and let down my guard. I looked at the man before me.
He looked like a kind man, and he looked very thirsty. I filled up my bucket and gave it to him to drink.
Summary:
At first I was shaken up by the situation because of what I perceived to be happening, based on my biases and assumptions. My heart was closed and judgmental. I was full of doubt and skepticism.
When I looked through the lens of my heart, I saw a humble, gentle man who was truly thirsty and in need of my help. I had a bucket, and he did not. I had access to something that he needed, and there was more than enough for us to share. When I opened my heart, I felt compassion, kinship, and a call to service. I helped my brother because I wanted to, and because I could.
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