Dear Parents and Friends,

I was inspired to reflect on, read and write about 'Belonging' in this newsletter following a piece of work that was completed this week by one of our Year 3 students, Zara H (see at the end of my message).

It’s been well over a year now since we’ve had varying levels of social distancing and lock-down to keep us all safe. All of us have had a range of reactions and it is understandable that we’re missing each other and losing a sense of belonging.

Connection, belonging, and togetherness are vital for positive mental health. When we feel lonely or isolated it sends a message internally that we’re not OK. It’s not as easy to stay connected while physically distanced but let us seek creative, safe ways to reach out and connect to others. 

“We are created to belong, and our greatest fear is that we will not belong.” Dr. Brene Brown, a social scientist from the University of Houston

The ultimate belonging, of course, is the belonging of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, whose belonging is so intimate that they are one.  Belonging is a central theme and the scriptures speak repeatedly of us as adopted sons and daughters, and that we are co-heirs with Christ.  

Jesus clearly knew the power of belonging, of connecting, and in one of the most puzzling and contrary interactions recorded in the Gospels, illuminates the amazing power that can be released by belonging and connection.

The fourth chapter of John’s Gospel details the well-known story of the woman at the well.  This story is a case study in the power of belonging and of connection.  To truly grasp the importance of belonging as a central theme in the story, we must appreciate the cultural setting in which the gospel account occurs.

Under first century rabbinic law, the interactions between Jewish men and women were strictly limited.  Women were largely relegated to the home and private life, rarely going out in public unless accompanied by others, particularly their husbands.  Men did not speak to women in public places.  

In addition, there was a deep disdain between Jews and Samaritans.  The Samaritans, while descended from Jews, had intermarried with the gentiles of the region.They were, in a very real sense, viewed as traitors and deserters of the faith.  Jewish prejudice toward Samaritans were deeply ingrained.

As we know, the Gospel account tells us about Jesus, who was travelling through Samaria and stops at the well for a rest. There he meets a Samaritan, a woman at that, who comes to draw water.  

Jesus, though, seems to have a laser focus on connecting with this woman.  He speaks to her, violating all convention, asking her for a drink of water.  Her response to Jesus is off-putting, designed to let him know that she is nobody’s fool.  Essentially, she says to Jesus, “You Jews want nothing to do with Samaritans, and you don’t even talk to your own women!  Why are you asking me for a drink?”

The outcome of Jesus effort to connect with this woman is stunning.  She goes directly into the city, preaching Jesus to the very people she was trying to avoid by going to the well at noon.  Her passion and testimony are so compelling that the Samaritan residents come out to see the Jewish rabbi Jesus. Many came to believe because of her testimony, and much more because of what Jesus said.

• What does it mean to you to belong?
• What do you gain from belonging?
• What is the cost of belonging, and which currencies do you pay it in?
• Can you gift belonging?
• What can you invest in belonging to our St Brigid’s community?

Yours in Faith, Justice and Learning