Walking with Jesus: Third Sunday of Lent A

For Sunday, March 8, 2026

Exodus 17:3-7; Romans 5:1-2, 5-8; John 4:5-42
 

Here we are at the third Sunday of Lent — a time we look at ourselves and see how we are doing in this Lent as we live in the midst of our world with God, who is moving us toward our true home: heaven. There's a great reflective question to consider here: How I am progressing in my lasting relationship with God? We started with: What is Lent for me? What should I give up? How do I pray more meaningfully? How can I sacrifice to make myself pleasing to God? Now we begin to reflect and put into daily action “things” that improve our relationship with God and His love for each of us. The bottom line is that God created each of us out of love, and He loves us exactly the way we are right now. We don’t feel this way — we feel that we have to be better and do better. The readings describe it this way: We are on a journey. It’s a long trip. Remember riding with your parents to visit distant relatives? Our concern sitting in the back seat … are we there yet … how much longer? Patience wasn’t our best quality then and it still isn't now. This trip is long … a whole life long. What do we need for the long haul, and how can we place little tools in our “glovebox” to help us along the way? The readings contain a wealth of tidbits.

In the Exodus story today, the desert — harsh as it is — provides the setting for the people’s testing. Will they be faithful amid hardships? Are they looking for the easy way out? Are they anxious when something requires more sacrifice? Prayer and fasting highlight the call for self-denial and dependence on God. Both of these are difficult to achieve without God’s help. Too often we feel that we can do it, and our Lents end up in dissatisfaction with our established intentions. Where and how did we ask for help? That's an interesting question. What do we need to survive? In the desert, Israel required food, shelter, clothing and water, which were in shorty supply — and they were thirsty and grumbled. God instructed Moses to take the staff he had used to part the waters, escaping Pharaoh's pursuing army, and touch a large rock which would provide water. (What an irony!) I’m sure the Israelites' comments were much like those we'd hear today: Sure, Moses. Tell me another story. It just can't be done. But it happened, right? So are you saying there is anything God can’t do out of His love for each of us?

The miracle shows, beyond doubt, that God was in their lives and cared for them collectively and individually — just as He does with you and me. We just don’t ask. Why not? God responded to the peoples’ murmuring even when it leaned toward rebellion. Why should He continue to respond in His boundless and compassionate love for sinners? Because this is what God always does. He loves each of us that much. What do we need to accept His love?

For Paul, the bottom line is that in the midst of all difficulties, God provides hope. Paul characterizes that as a “… hope that does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” [Romans 5:5] Paul continues: Think what Jesus did for you and me … He did the unimaginable … He established the relationship we have right now; one we don't even deserve. Think on this: While we were sinners, alienated from God (we have all been in this “state”), Christ died for us and provided us access to the grace that places us in the right relationship with God. A God who created each of you out of love … placed you at this time in creation … sent multitudes to love you … to show you He cares for you. Why? Because He loves you. Always has, always will. And His dying gave us access to God. Paul says that the foundation of all is God’s love for us. This is beyond our imagination — the Spirit continues to pour Paul's hope into our hearts: Hope Eternal.

John’s message continues to pour out God’s love for each of us. The story of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman presents a narrative theology — a story that outlines a theological message. This story — a story of transformation and conversion — proceeds on different levels:

• A Samaritan, despised by the Jews — and female, of little import because of her gender — encounters Jesus.
• He begins the conversation; she listens because it’s a graced encounter with Jesus, the Christ.
• She is transformed, learning she is important as a person of love. All gender and ethnic barriers have been broken.
• She “goes forth,” as the apostles will later do, to announce the Good News: God’s love.

People often forego and subvert the barriers that divide us. God doesn’t. Where do I need God’s help in this today? God is asking me to change and grow: Do I see areas where I need His help? I need a lot!

So I reflect on:

• The Psalm echoes the first reading when it says that the people “tested” God. I look at times in my life when I’ve tested God or been self-righteous or prideful … and God has remained patient with me. How can I grow in my trust in God through this Lenten season?

Sacred Space 2026 states:

“The Samaritan woman came to the right place and at a most opportune moment to find Jesus already waiting there. In no time she discovered that He could read her like a book. Could it be, Lord, that You can read me equally easily? If so, can You help me have a little of her humility and honesty in recounting how my life has been going in recent times, together with a small amount of her willingness to change?”