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March 11, 2023Reflection for Third Sunday of Lent: March 12, 2026
Ex 17:3-7: Consider the leadership crisis that Moses was experiencing in dealing with the chosen peoples’ discontentment over drought and lack of water; one of mankind’s most basic needs. The people had stepped out, in faith, to follow Moses, but now they were doubting his competence as a ruler. Moses responds with behavior worthy of imitation by today’s leaders: Moses cries out to God for help! “What shall I do?” Moses petitions the Lord. Fittingly, God answers by empowering Moses. God promises to “stand there, in front of Moses, as he strikes the rock, at God’s command. A miracle happens. Water flows from the rock; validating Moses as God’s chosen ruler. There’s some great symbolism, here. Later, Jesus becomes “the Rock,” upon which our salvation depends. “Waters” of love, mercy and forgiveness flow from Jesus, to satisfy our souls’ “thirst” for redemption.
Psalm 95: “If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Today’s psalm works well to acclaim the Lord, as our “Rock of Salvation.” We’re urged to approach God with thankful appreciation and with reverence, unlike the complaining people in today’s first reading. The psalmist exhorts us to humbly worship and adore God… kneeling before Him, in ardent submission to God’s Will and with whole-hearted trust in Him and His provisions for us. Notice
that the psalmist encourages us to be careful not to imitate the wavering faith of the people in today’s first reading. We’re warned not to invite God’s anger and punishment, by “tempting” or “testing” God; when we, like the Israelite people, have seen and been told about God’s miracles, all throughout Creation history. Let’s ponder that, miraculously and convincingly, Jesus has already repeatedly proven Himself worthy of our faith, trust, love and adoration!
Romans 5:1-2;5-8: With the faith-filled company of St. Paul, let’s reflect upon Jesus’ own perfect trust in our Heavenly Father to know our needs and to perfectly respond. As St. Paul serenely observes, our justification through the gift of faith in Jesus Christ immerses us into a relationship of peace and union with God and other believers. This depth of faith imparts confident hope and trust in God’s Will, despite situational stressors, challenges and temporal suffering. Thus, we’re filled with the graces that come with faith; the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. While we may still have moments of weakness and questioning, we’ll be given the strength to choose faith over temptations to complain, test God and despair. Like St. Paul, we’re called to a more transcendent spirituality that rises above earthly travails. Let’s pray to live on earth in a state of faith and grace that will prepare us for Heaven.
John 4:5-42: Contrasting our first reading, recounting Moses’ asking God for water, this passage has God (Jesus) asking a sinner for a drink of water. This “calling” occurs at a powerfully meaningful place… Jacob’s Well. Here, God has been answering peoples’ needs, both for earthly water and for the cleansing “water” of faith, for centuries.
When the woman asks Jesus how He could ask her, (a Samaritan woman), to give Him, (a Jewish male), a drink, she’s asking a question regarding theological correctness and Jewish ritual cleanliness. She’s not insulting or disrespecting Jesus, as she might seem to be doing. Jesus answers her sincere question with a revelation: if she only knew the gift she was being given; a chance to humbly serve God, Himself! Jesus reveals Himself to her and to us. Will we accept the “waters” of saving forgiveness that He offers us?
