Admitting our need for God, especially for his forgiveness, opens us to his saving grace.
The Gospel reading from John that we will hear at Mass this Third Sunday of Lent is one of the three longest readings, after the Passion narratives, that we find in the Gospels. These three readings are always read on the Sundays of Lent, when those preparing for baptism celebrate the scrutinies. These readings are not only intended for catechumens, but also for all of us who are growing in faith. In this Sunday’s Gospel, we see the Samaritan woman come to faith. And the steps she takes to reach it are also our steps.
Although she needs Jesus’ help, He approaches her first. By asking her for a drink, He longs for her faith. Jesus always invites us to walk the path of faith long before we begin, integrating us into a faithful family, giving us a curious heart that seeks the truth, and sending us another believer whose example draws us closer to the Lord.
The next step is to acknowledge our need and our sinfulness. The woman does this when she asks for living water and confronts her behavior by acknowledging that she has five husbands. Admitting our need for God, and especially for his forgiveness, opens us to his saving grace. Another step is to draw near to God in prayer. This explains the strange question about worshiping on a mountain. Jesus tells the woman, and us, that the best worship is honest and comes from the Spirit. That is more important than when or where we pray. God hears the prayers of a small congregation in a rural chapel as well as those of a thousand people in a large cathedral.
When we begin to share our faith with others, we take the step of living it out. We make a difference in someone’s life, and they begin to experience the presence of Jesus. Like the Samaritan woman who told her neighbors about Jesus, we too discover that the people we have touched with our lives begin to find the Lord for themselves. Our catechumens, those brothers and sisters who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil, are taking these steps now, thanks to those who have helped them experience Jesus’ invitation to faith.
May the Lord always give you his peace.
Fr. Lalo Jara, OFM
Pastor, Mission San Luis Rey Parish
Sign up for free class
It’s easy and free!
