John 4:5-42 or 4:5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42
The Samaritan Woman has long been a rich vein in the gospel for speaking to the issue of racism and ethnic prejudice. It also speaks marginalization of women and sinners in society in general. Jesus demonstrates the inclusion of the kingdom in this disciple made apostle in an instant. The demonstration that God does not see one group as better than another is vivid witness in the fact that this Samaritan is the most successful missionary before the death of Christ. Because of her faith confession, she brought an entire town to Jesus! When we look beyond race and gender, the kingdom is present in its abundance in the places where our racial and gender dysfunctions have kept us blind.