Living Well

I work in a cafe in a Palestinian town called Nablus.  Although our premises is near the religious site called  Jacobs Well, we are not really for the adventurous American and Korean tourists who are willing to contend with check points and security to see their beloved biblical sites.

Ours is more for 'local women and their children'; a get-away or oasis in the sunny prison of the West Bank.

It was the hottest part of the day when a young smart Jewish man slipped in and sat down at a lone table.  The cafe was empty; our lot tend to head off for a snooze by now.  I was on my own, clearing up from the morning.  I hesitated for a few minutes before approaching his table.  "Some mineral water please" he asked politely.  And he looked me straight in the eye.  That's disconcerting, we don't normally do that in our religion.  It's quite a taboo.  I gave him a funny look, but he went on to say,
            "if only you knew the water I can give to you...."
I said "looks like you have nothing with you."  And under my breath,"you'd better have money" - we are used to Jews taking liberties round here.  "The very best water comes from Jacob's well," I offer, something of topical interest.  We are all united in the greatness of our forefather Jacob.  We're not that different really.  The man again looks at me and he says,
            "Jacob's well is special, but it will never satisfy you for long.  The water I have to offer is for eternal life."
Wow- blow me away- you don't hear that said in this old joint every day.
"Hey man", say I, "you are truly deep.  I like your drift."  He says "Why don't I talk with your husband. (I guess he knows we can't be seen talking like this.  Thank heavens no one's come in so far.  "I've got no husband" I protest, presenting a provocative smile.  "Yes" he says, "I know.  Your boyfriend has only just moved in with you.  You deserve better than those five guys who use you and let you down."  My blood ran cold.  That was very close to the bone.
"You are a strange man" I say.  "A clairvoyant, or a mystic?" (We get lot of religious cranks round here.)  "So our prophet says worship on a Friday, but you lot choose Saturday- Why's that?"
The man turns and says,
       "The time is coming when days of the week won't matter a jot.  We will all worship the Creator face to face."  My whole being is trembling.  I feel surges of emotion, I can't tell you how alive I feel.  "We both believe that someone is coming to show us the face of the Creator." I say.
       "I've come to you today to do just that."

He picked up his ice-chilled bottle, dropped two shekels on the table, and I never saw him again.  I rushed out after him in a daze.  My sister saw me and came over quite concerned.  "I've just met a man who knew everything about me," I said.  My sister stroked my cheek.  "There, there Sis"  she says.  She knows my problem with men.  I notice her darting look up to the hot sun.

John 4 1-26