Despite the doubts of older adults, teens are human beings too.  The outside shell of indifference and periodic hostility that is displayed often masks the sensitive, searching person inside.  We can learn something about teens and their faith journey by looking at Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well.  Much like the woman at the well our society sees young people as outcast or at least awkward members.  The reality is just like the woman at the well they just want to belong to a community.  The woman came to the well during the heat of the day.  Most women came early in the morning.  This woman came during an unusual time. There was no one else around since most of the women came during the cooler morning hours. It was during this “off-peak” moment that the issue of faith could be mentioned. Parents should be attentive to the quiet moments when there is a pause in the hectic pace of like.  Those moments may come at any time so being available is important.  Jesus, though hungry, tired and thirsty was ready for the faith encounter with the Samaritan woman.  A parent that is always busy will give the appearance that they are not concerned or be oblivious to the moment.  Jesus had to work at breaking down the hostility between the Samaritan woman and himself; to do so he had to honor her approach to faith.  Jesus was patient as he explained his beliefs to the woman.  He took nothing for granted except her desire to know about God.  He didn’t try to recreate her in his image and likeness but honored her experience.   Teens need to talk about God in their own words.  I recently asked a young man if he was going to attend a reconciliation service we were having.  He responded by saying, “No, me and God are cool”.  Another reason Jesus was able to call the woman to deeper faith was his love for her even though she had made mistakes.  Young people can never grasp the meaning of reconciliation until they see it displayed.  The woman at the well had five husbands and was living with a man who wasn’t her husband.  Yet, it was Jesus compassion toward her at that moment which caused her conversion.  Parents can’t predict the mistakes of their young people, but it is precisely at the time of those mistakes that compassion can lead to conversion.  Why would a teen want to know about the Bible when it is never relevant in the lives of those around him?  Once the woman felt compassion she began to ask questions.  The catechesis had begun.  Young people will also ask questions once they realize they are loved and accepted regardless of where they are in their own faith development. If they don’t ask questions, then the parent can ask a few.  For instance, what did you think of the sermon?  If they thought it was lousy, then ask them why?  Better yet, ask what they would have said if they were the preacher.  Jesus brought the Samaritan woman to faith gently.  Faith can be shared at home in that same gentle manner. Handing a young person a bible and starting a program can be intimidating. It would be better to create a place in the home that is sacred.  Perhaps there could be a prayer corner where the family bible is displayed with a candle and holy water.  In a world that is increasing hostile to teens a prayer corner can be as welcome as Jacobs well in the desert. Jesus experienced the same range of human emotions that teens do. Unfortunately teens don’t realize it.  If parents can tell the stories of faith at the right moment, teens may want to read the book.