ACC ~ John 4 v11

TITLE OF “LORD” IMPLIES REVERENCE

CHRYSOSTOM: Already, our Lord raises the woman’s low opinion of him, making her realize that he was no common person. She addresses him reverentially by the title of “Lord.” HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 31.4. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:110*.

THE WOMAN DOES NOT UNDERSTAND

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: However, since the woman did not yet understand these words and did not know what “living water” was, she said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?” The tone of her conversation changed. Above she had said daringly, “How is it that you, a Jew”; now she conveniently set the appellation “sir” before her words. Before she talked to him, suspecting that he would have transgressed the law because of his strong thirst. Then, when she understood from his answer and his peaceful words that he had not asked for water because he was oppressed by thirst, she attributed the right honor to his words. “From where do you give me, [she says], that living water? You have no bucket, and the well is deep.” COMMENTARY ON JOHN 2.4.11. [1]

[1] CSCO 4 3:88.

REFRESHING WATER DRAWN INTO OUR MINDS

CAESARIUS OF ARLES: Before the coming of the Lord, the well was also deep, and without a pail no one could draw water for himself. Our Lord, the living fountain, came to cleanse the hearts of all people, to quench their thirst and to satisfy their souls. Moreover, he did not look for a pail to draw the water, but of his own accord he poured himself into the minds of each one. SERMON 170.4. [1]

[1] FC 47:421.

DRINKING FROM JACOB’S WELL

ORIGEN: The Scriptures, therefore, are introductions, and are called Jacob’s well. Once they have now been accurately understood, one must go up from them to Jesus, that he may freely give us the fountain of water that leaps into eternal life. But everyone does not draw water from Jacob’s well in the same way…. Some who are wise in the Scriptures drink as Jacob and his sons. But others who are simpler and more innocent, the so-called sheep of Christ, [1] drink as Jacob’s livestock. And others, misunderstanding the Scriptures and maintaining certain irreverent things on the pretext that they have apprehended the Scriptures, drink as the Samaritan woman drank before she believed in Jesus. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 13.37-39. [2]

[1] Jn 10:26.

[2] FC 89:76*; SC 222:50-52.

THIS WELL IS THE GRACE OF THE SPIRIT

AMBROSE: This well is clearly the grace of the Spirit, a stream proceeding from the living fountain. The Holy Spirit, then, is also the fountain of eternal life…. This water, the grace of the Spirit, is so refreshing. Who will give this fountain to my breast? Let it spring up in me, let what gives eternal life flow on me. Let that fountain overflow on us and not flow away…. How shall I keep this water so that it does not flow or glide away? ON THE HOLY SPIRIT 1.16.180-81. [1]

[1] NPNF 2 10:114**.