Third Sunday in Lent - A - March 8, 2026
Did you ever play in the sprinklers when you were a child? Or, play a game in rushing water? This play gives us a brief hint to the power of rushing water. This power is at the root of the readings and activities this week.
FIRST READING The reading from Exodus spoke of impatience. Despite the presence of the Lord in the desert experience, the people groused about their lack. God provided for their want from an unexpected source, water flowing from a rock.
PSALM Psalm 95 is a praise hymn with a caveat. We are to praise God, but we should always keep the uncertain will of human nature in mind. We could easily turn on God, just as the people did in the Exodus experience at Meribah and Massah (see the First Reading).
SECOND READING In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul reminds us that we are justified before God, but we do not and cannot justify ourselves. That is God's prerogative alone. He is the source of all good things.
GOSPEL St. John presented one of the most memorable narratives in his gospel: the Samaritan woman at the well. At its heart, these verses speak of self-revelation. The woman showed herself to be immoral, but that did not stop Jesus from revealing himself to her. In doing so, he offered her the Spirit, the living water that wells up into eternal life.
DAILY READINGS for the Second Week in Lent.
CHILDREN'S READINGS In the story about the First Reading, Jack appreciated a simple drink of water after a long dry spell at school. In the Gospel reflection, we consider the power of rushing water, whether it is a geyser or a park fountain.
CATECHISM LINK This week's Link addresses the subject of Jesus as Lord, both in his humanity and divinity.
FAMILY ACTIVITY Use a garden or park fountain as a point to discuss how rushing water is like God's life within us.