THE WELL: A PLACE OF PRAYER, HEALING, AND HOPE!

Dr. Francine Dove Hawkins

Third Sunday of Lent

"A woman of Samaria came to draw water ..." (Jn. 4:4-32)

In the Gospel of John, Chapter 4:4-32, we encounter one of the most tender, transparent, and transformative moments in Scripture: Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well. And noteworthy is the way this citation starts: He (Jesus) had to come to Samaria. Jesus was apparently in pursuit of this woman.

And then, what appears on the surface as a simple dialogue about water at Jacob’s well is truly a sacred exchange that is a revelation of dignity, mercy, truth, love, and hope—especially for women who may feel unseen, unheard, or burdened by life’s circumstances.

The scene opens with Jesus, in his humanity, weary from His journey, sitting by the well at noon. It is the hottest and loneliest time of day. The Samaritan woman comes alone, likely avoiding the judgment of others. Her life story—marked by broken relationships and social isolation—has shaped her into someone accustomed to silence and shame. Yet it is precisely her that Jesus pursues and chooses to reveal Himself.

In a culture where Jewish men did not typically speak publicly with women, and certainly not Samaritan women, Jesus crosses boundaries without hesitation. He begins simply: “Give me a drink.” In this humble request, He affirms her humanity. He does not begin with condemnation. He begins with a relationship.

For many women today, this encounter is deeply consoling. Jesus meets us in ordinary places— in kitchens, workplaces, hospitals, classrooms, and quiet moments of exhaustion. He pursues us at our “wells”: the daily responsibilities, hidden struggles, and silent prayers we carry. He does not wait for us to be perfect. He meets us as we are.

As the conversation unfolds, Jesus speaks of “living water,” water that becomes “a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman, initially thinking in practical terms, gradually begins to perceive a deeper truth. Jesus is offering not merely relief from physical thirst but freedom from spiritual thirst—the longing to be known, forgiven, and loved without condition.

When Jesus gently reveals her past, He does so not to shame her but to restore her. He sees her fully and still engages her with respect. This is a powerful message of hope. Many women carry wounds from relationships, disappointments, or societal expectations. The Samaritan woman reminds us that our past does not disqualify us from grace. Christ looks beyond labels and failures. He sees a beloved daughter of the Father, and He pursues her.

In a profound moment, Jesus reveals to her that He is the Messiah, resulting in her becoming one of the first people in John’s Gospel to receive this revelation directly. That this revelation is entrusted to a Samaritan woman is extraordinary. It affirms that women are central rather than peripheral participants in God’s plan of salvation.

The woman’s response is equally inspiring. She leaves her water jar behind—a symbol of her old concerns—and runs to tell her community, “Come see a man who told me everything I have ever done.” Her shame becomes testimony. Her isolation becomes a mission. Her encounter becomes evangelization. Through her witness, many Samaritans come to believe.

For women today, this is a powerful invitation. You are not defined by your past. You are not limited by society’s expectations. You can carry living water to others—within your families, parishes, workplaces, and communities. Your voice matters. Your faith matters. Your story matters.

The well becomes a place of prayer—a sacred space where vulnerability meets divine mercy. In our own prayer, we are invited to sit with Jesus honestly. To name our thirst. To allow Him to speak truth into our wounded places. To receive the living water of His grace through the sacraments, especially Reconciliation and the Eucharist.

This Gospel passage assures women that Christ seeks them personally. He initiates the conversation. He listens. He reveals. He restores. And then He sends forth.

May every woman who feels weary at her well hear Jesus say, “If you knew the gift of God…”

The gift is His love. The gift is His pursuit. The gift is His mercy. The gift is the living water that never runs dry.

 And from that well of grace, hope flows abundantly.

Author: Dr. Francine Dove Hawkins is on fire for the Lord. Her spiritual mission is to “uplift the downtrodden” and “to stir up the gifts" given to all of us to serve God and His people. She proudly attests to the fact that she is “a work in progress” crafted by God and molded by the Holy Spirit. She is not what she used to be and still not where she should be, but she testifies to the wonder-working power of the Holy Spirit in her life and works to help others see His power in theirs!

In 2001, Dr. Hawkins was instrumental in founding the Women of the Word Ministry at her parish, the historic St. Peter Claver Church in St. Inigoes, MD. It will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. In 2002, Dr. Hawkins was called to evangelize as a revivalist for the first time at a Lenten service at St. Joseph’s in Largo.

Since that time, Dr. Hawkins has had the opportunity to proclaim the Word of God on numerous occasions, the most memorable for her being at the Southeast Deanery East of the River Revival; at St. Luke United Methodist Church, the church of her Dad; at Women’s Retreats for Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian Church, and at her home church.

Dr. Hawkins is married to Steve Hawkins, the love of her childhood. They have one daughter, Stevie-Mari, who is married to Major Adam Starks, USAF, and two granddaughters, Aria-Mari and Sophie!

Dr. Hawkins is on a spiritual crusade to empower people to live as missionary disciples, recognizing that God has given them the authority to do so and that the Holy Spirit has equipped them to carry out His plans for the glory of God.

BIBLIOGRAPHY The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition. Washington, DC: National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, 1993. Catechism of the Catholic Church. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1992. John Paul II. Mulieris Dignitatem (On the Dignity and Vocation of Women). Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1988. 2