By Carmelita Banks
Contributor

Jesus’ stop in Samaria implied more than a shortcut, a visiting theologian told about 70 people at a prayer service at Loyola University Chicago’s Madonna della Strada Chapel Feb. 9.

“I challenge [the Catholic Church] to listen to voices, cross boundaries and accept true discipleship in the spirit of humility and justice,” said Michelle Gonzalez, the daughter of two Cuban exiles.

Jesus violated two social conventions by his encounter with the Samaritan woman, she explained. First, as a member of the chosen people, he mixed with someone outside his group. He further unsettled his disciples by speaking to a woman, whose life he transformed.

The encounter at the well has personal significance for Gonzalez. To avoid racism within the church, she rejected her Cuban heritage and did not speak Spanish for years. As an adult, she began to embrace her heritage. Then she felt confused about her desire to become a theologian. Rereading the Gospel story brought her much comfort. She voraciously studied Latino and Latina theologians and received her theology doctorate at age 27.

Gonzalez, assistant professor of theology at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, last October published “Sor Juana: Beauty and Justice,” about a nun silenced in the 17th century for writing theology. Gonzalez was among nine Catholic thinkers to reflect on issues confronting the church during Loyola’ Chapel Series.

Unlike Gonzalez’s encounters within the church, “[The Samaritan woman] shows us that no one is privileged,” the 30-year-old theologian said. The church needs to heed that message since “unlikely evangelizers are often ignored because of the bearer,” she said.

People can take from the story that their encounters with God usually are not exceptional, Gonzalez said. “Look for God in the everyday moments when we least expect it,” she said.

Loyola’s Chapel Series continues March 9 with Franciscan Sister Katerina Schuth. Information: www.luc.edu/chapelseries