On this 5th Sunday of Pascha we hear two readings that speak of the spreading of the Gospel - first to the Gentiles, and then by the Samaritan woman to her own people.
In Acts, we learn of how those scattered by persecution preach the Word to Jews only at first. But then some from Cyprus and Cyrene share the good news about Jesus with Gentiles in Antioch as well. This is a pivotal moment, as the Church begins its mission to all nations.
Barnabas is sent to Antioch and rejoices at the grace of God being poured out. He encourages them to remain faithful. He then finds Saul and brings him back to teach this new and growing church for a whole year. It is in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
We then hear in the Gospel of John of another pivotal moment. Jesus, contravening social norms, speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well. At first, she doesn't recognize who He is. But through their dialogue, He reveals Himself as the long-awaited Messiah.
The woman has an awakening and runs to tell everyone in her town to "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" Many come to believe in Jesus because of her testimony.
We see the seeds being planted for the blossoming of Christianity beyond the Jewish world through these two readings. An encounter with the living Christ changes hearts and lives and makes missionaries and evangelists out of ordinary people.
Like Barnabas and the Samaritan woman, we too are called to share the good news joyfully with all who will listen - both those near to us and those far off. For as our Lord said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." Let us pray to be sent out as laborers into His harvest.
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