As I mentioned in the last post, there are a few significant things going on in this passage. One is the interaction Jesus has with a Samaritan woman, the other is the theological debate they have as part of their conversation.
The basic argument goes something like this: The Samaritans worshiped on Mt. Gerizim, claiming that the northern kingdoms of Israel were "true Israel" and that the Jews were imposters. They claimed that they were the true heirs of the promises of God (hence why the Samaritan woman claims Jacob as an ancestor). The Jews worshiped on Mt. Zion/Jerusalem and also claimed to be the "true Israel."
Jesus is drawn into this debate, and changes it considerably. Certainly, Jesus does fall on the side of the Jews, but then says that the debate's relevance is limited. After all, soon the mountain and the ancestry won't matter. All that will matter is spirit (or Spirit) and truth (or Truth). What God seeks is not pilgrimage to the right place (although pilgrimage is a valuable spiritual practice), but that people are connected to God's Spirit and worshiping the Truth (that is, Jesus) and truthfully.
I take those words as words of comfort today. Because of the work of Jesus, you and I are enfolded into God's plan. And we have the chance today to worship God in spirit and in truth.
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