· Vatican City ·

In the gospel according to John, a Samaritan woman is the one who argues with Jesus. She is not exactly an exemplary woman, in fact quite unconventional, having had five husbands and now a new man. It is precisely for this reason that Jesus listens to her and begins an intense discussion that leads to a fascinating crescendo. During their debate she asks questions and continually raises the stakes, almost provoking him; he plays along, responds to her, respects her, and in the end he reveals himself as the Messiah. A Samaritan, understood as an inhabitant of Samaria, are a people who are considered impure and despised by the Jews, whom Jesus describes as good, charitable, capable of helping the wounded enemy (Gospel of Luke).

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