It is no coincidence that the Gospel lessons of last Sunday (paralytic at the Sheep Pool), today (Samaritan woman at the well), and next Sunday (Blind man washing in the Pool of Siloam) all contain the theme of water. These readings are specific to the period between Pascha and Pentecost, which is known as “mystagogia.”

Mystagogia derives from Greek and means, “leading through the mysteries,” but might be better termed as “continuing education.” Catechumens underwent extensive education all through Great Lent, and when they received baptism, they were initiated further and deeper into the theological teachings of the Christian Faith. It was only after their baptism that they were taught the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer: the two most important and intimate Christian texts.

These newly baptized individuals were known as neophytes, meaning “newly planted” in Greek. Thus, the theme of water – congruent to their baptism – was meant to “water” these newly made Christians so that they would grow, mature, and bear fruit in the Christian Faith.