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The story of the Samaritan woman and Jesus meeting at a well in Samaria among one of my 'desert island' narratives. There is so much depth to the interplay between the woman and Jesus, Jesus and the disciples, Jesus and the Samaritans who come to listen to him. Some scholars suggest that the key is in verse 4: "But he had to go through Samaria." A quick look at the map will tell us that Jesus did not have to go. But he had to go if he was to be true to his mission -- to bring eternal life not just to the Jewish community but to those who were despised and socially oppressed.

Click HERE to listen to Richard's reflections.