The Word This Week ~ 18 January 2015
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THE DEEP END • ‘Come and see’
Today marks the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and this year’s theme for the week is ‘Jesus said to her: “Give me to drink”,’ from the story of Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well.
The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman invites us to try water from a different well and to also offer some of our own. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an opportunity for encounter and dialogue with others, and a time to ask God for the gift of unity.
Today is also the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Speaking last summer when he met with migrants and asylum seekers on the Mediterranean island of
Lampedusa, Pope Francis urged ‘brotherly responsibility’ towards our fellow human beings.
There is a Brazilian proverb used when a visitor is leaving one’s home: ‘Whoever drinks of this water keeps coming back’. Today’s readings see Jesus invite the disciples to ‘come and see’ where he lived. He welcomed them into his home and they stayed with him for the rest of the day. The example of Jesus encourages us to be welcoming, to extend a warm invitation to all, and to spend time with others in conversation and friendship.
Published Mon 19th Jan 2015 11:59:03