Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent
Monday March 9, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent
- First Reading – 2 Kings 5:1-15ab: Naaman, commander of the Aramean army, suffered from leprosy and was advised by a servant girl to seek the help of the prophet in Samaria. After receiving a letter from the king of Aram, the king of Israel directed Naaman to Elisha, who instructed him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Initially angry, Naaman’s servants convinced him to follow Elisha’s instructions, and he was cured of his leprosy, acknowledging that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 42: My soul thirsts for the living God, longing to be in His presence. Guided by His light, I aspire to reach His holy place, to offer praise and find my deepest joy.
- Gospel – Luke 4:24-30: Jesus declares that no prophet is accepted in his hometown and gives examples from the time of Elijah and Elisha. The people in the synagogue become angry and try to harm Jesus, but he passes through them and leaves.
Upcoming dates: March 9, 2026, March 1, 2027, March 13, 2028, March 5, 2029, March 17, 2031, March 1, 2032, March 21, 2033
Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.
Luke 4:24
Themes for the Readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent
On Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent, the readings focus on healing, faith, and God’s work beyond expectations. They show how God’s blessings are for everyone and call us to trust Him fully.
- Healing through faith: Naaman is healed when he obeys the prophet’s instructions. His story reminds us that faith and humility open the way for God’s blessings.
- God works unexpectedly: Naaman expected something grand, but God healed him through a simple act. This teaches us not to limit how we think God can act in our lives.
- God’s mercy for all: Jesus reminds His listeners that God showed mercy to outsiders like Naaman. This shows that God’s blessings are not limited to one group of people.
- Obedience brings blessings: Naaman’s healing came when he followed God’s directions through Elisha. This shows the importance of trusting and obeying God even when it is hard.
- God’s word challenges us: The people in the Gospel rejected Jesus because His words made them uncomfortable. This shows how God’s truth can confront us and call us to change.
- Faith over pride: Naaman had to set aside his pride to accept healing. This reminds us that humility is necessary to receive God’s help.
The readings on Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent invite us to trust and obey God, no matter how He works. They also remind us to see God’s blessings as gifts meant for all people.
Reflection for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent
The readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent invite us to reflect on God’s ways and our response to His call. Through Naaman’s story and the words of Jesus, we see how humility, trust, and openness to truth are necessary for receiving God’s blessings. These reflections help us apply these lessons to our own lives.
God Works in Simple Ways
In the first reading for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Naaman expected something dramatic to heal his leprosy. Instead, he was told to wash in the Jordan River, a simple and humble act. At first, he was upset, thinking such a simple task was beneath him. When he finally obeyed, he was healed. This shows that God often works through ordinary means to bring about His blessings.
In our lives, we may also expect grand signs or extraordinary answers to our prayers. Like Naaman, we might feel disappointed when God’s ways seem too simple or ordinary. But God often works quietly and unexpectedly, asking us to trust Him even when we don’t fully understand.
This story reminds us to let go of our own expectations and allow God to work as He chooses. The blessings may come in ways we least expect. Humility and trust open the door to receive what God wants to give.
The Challenge of Truth
In the Gospel for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Jesus speaks to His hometown crowd, and His words upset them. They did not want to hear that God’s blessings had been given to outsiders, like Naaman. Instead of accepting the truth, they let their pride and anger close their hearts to Jesus’ message.
Sometimes, God’s truth challenges us too. It may ask us to change our perspective or let go of things that hold us back. Like the crowd, we might resist when the truth feels uncomfortable or goes against our expectations.
This Gospel shows the danger of rejecting God’s call to change. Lent is a time to reflect on how we respond to the truth. Do we listen with open hearts, or do we let pride get in the way?
God’s Blessings Are for All
Both the first reading and the Gospel for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent highlight that God’s blessings are not limited to certain people. Naaman, a foreigner, received healing when he obeyed God’s instructions. In the Gospel, Jesus points out how God’s mercy has been shown to outsiders in the past. This angers His listeners, who thought they deserved special treatment.
God’s blessings reach beyond boundaries we might place on them. He does not show favoritism but extends His mercy to everyone. Sometimes, this challenges our sense of fairness or makes us uncomfortable. But it also reminds us of God’s great generosity.
We are called to rejoice when others receive God’s blessings, just as much as when we receive them ourselves. Lent is a time to let go of jealousy or pride and embrace the truth that God’s love is for all people. This helps us see the world as He does, with open hearts and generous spirits.
As we meditate on the lessons of Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent, let us consider how God may be calling us to deeper trust and humility. May we open our hearts to His truth and share His blessings with others.
Prayer
Lord, help us to trust in Your ways, even when they seem small or unexpected. Teach us to listen to Your truth with open hearts and let go of pride. May we always rejoice in Your blessings for all people. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How do you respond when God’s ways seem simple or ordinary?
- What makes it hard to accept uncomfortable truths in your life?
- How can you grow in humility and trust during Lent?
- Do you rejoice when others receive blessings, or do you feel jealous or entitled?
Homilies and Commentaries for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent
A Matter of Pride
On Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Sr. Marianne Watts reflects on the story of Naaman, who is asked by the prophet Elisha to wash in the Jordan River to be healed of leprosy. At first, Naaman refuses because the cure seems too simple for such a serious problem. His pride gets in the way, but his servants convince him to try, and he is healed.
The message is that pride can block us from receiving God’s help. Like Naaman, we may expect dramatic answers or struggle to accept simple acts of healing and mercy. God wants our healing and offers us peace, not punishment. The story reminds us that God is always on our side, offering grace in unexpected and humble ways.
Called to Be Prophets
Bishop Robert Barron reflects on Jesus being rejected in his hometown and connects it to the role of every baptized person. Many think prophecy is only for priests or bishops, but Vatican II teaches that all the baptized share in Christ’s roles as priest, prophet, and king. We act as priests when we worship at Mass and as kings when we guide others in the faith.
On Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Bishop Barron reminds us that being a prophet means speaking God’s truth, not just sharing personal opinions. The prophetic word comes from God and is meant to be shared, even when it is difficult or unwelcome. All baptized people are called to speak this truth with faith and courage, knowing it is not their own message but God’s.
Stop Avoiding the Truth
The gospel for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent shows Jesus visiting a synagogue and being rejected by the people there. They are angry at His words and want to throw Him off a cliff. This moment shows how hard it can be for people to accept the truth, especially when it challenges their beliefs or way of life. Instead of listening, they turn against Jesus.
Matthew Kelly reminds us that truth often makes us uncomfortable. When we hear something that calls us to change, we have two choices: respond with humility or resist with pride. Jesus invites us to grow and serve, not to stay the same. Each of us must ask if we are open to the truth or if we are avoiding it. Are we ready to listen and change, or are we pushing away what we most need to hear?
No Place Like Home
On Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Msgr. Vlaun reflects on how healing and faith often begin at home, where living the Gospel can be most difficult. Home is where we are deeply known, and that can make patience, forgiveness, and love hard to practice. Still, Lent calls us to bring healing into those close relationships through small acts of faith and love.
The story of Naaman and the Gospel both show that healing requires effort. Naaman had to follow God’s instructions through Elisha to be healed. In the Gospel, Jesus could do little in his hometown because the people lacked faith. Like them, we often want healing to be easy, but faith asks for action. In family life and beyond, discipleship means putting in the effort, even when it’s hard. When we do, we come closer to seeing the face of God.
Questions and Answers for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent
What date is Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent?
The next date is Monday March 9, 2026.
What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent?
The Mass readings for Monday March 9, 2026 are:
First Reading – 2 Kings 5:1-15ab: Naaman’s Healing
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 42: Longing for God
Gospel – Luke 4:24-30: Jesus Is Rejected in His Hometown
What is the main lesson of Naaman’s healing in the first reading for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent?
Naaman’s healing shows the importance of humility and obedience. Even when God’s instructions seem small, they lead to great blessings when followed.
Why did Naaman hesitate to follow Elisha’s instructions?
Naaman expected something more dramatic. This shows how pride and our own expectations can keep us from trusting God.
How does Naaman’s story apply to us?
Naaman’s story teaches us to trust God’s ways, even when they seem simple or unexpected. It reminds us to be humble and open to God’s plan.
Why is obedience important in the first reading?
Naaman’s healing came through obeying Elisha’s directions. This shows that following God’s instructions, even when they are hard, leads to blessings.
What does Jesus mean when He mentions the miracles of the prophets?
Jesus is teaching that God’s blessings are for all people, not just one group. He challenges His listeners to see beyond their narrow view of God’s mercy.
Why were the people angry with Jesus in the Gospel for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent?
The people were upset because Jesus spoke of blessings for outsiders. This challenged their pride and their sense of entitlement.
What does the Gospel tell us about faith?
The Gospel shows that faith means accepting God’s truth, even when it challenges us. It also calls us to trust God’s mercy for others.
What does the Gospel say about pride?
The people’s pride stopped them from accepting Jesus’ message. Pride can close us off from God’s blessings and truth.
How can we apply these readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent during Lent?
We can use these readings to reflect on our need for humility and trust in God. They remind us to open our hearts to His work, even in unexpected ways.
What do these readings teach about God’s mercy?
The readings show that God’s mercy is for everyone. We are called to rejoice when others receive His blessings.
Humility and Faith
The readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent focus on healing, faith, and God’s surprising ways. In the first reading, Naaman, a powerful commander, seeks healing from his leprosy. At first, he resists the simple instructions given by the prophet Elisha. Only when he humbles himself and follows them does he find the healing he longs for. This shows how God’s blessings come when we trust and obey Him.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to the people in His hometown. He reminds them of how God’s blessings reached outsiders, like Naaman. Instead of listening, they grow angry because they feel entitled to God’s gifts. Their pride blinds them to the truth of Jesus’ message and keeps them from receiving the blessings He offers.
These readings teach us to let go of pride and trust God, even when His ways seem small or unexpected. They remind us that God’s mercy is for everyone, not just for those we might expect. During Lent, these lessons encourage us to grow in humility and to open our hearts to God’s plan.
Your Turn
Reflect on the readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent. Think about how Naaman had to set aside pride to obey and receive healing. Consider the Gospel message that challenges us to see God’s blessings for all people. How do these readings speak to your life and faith?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Your reflections may inspire others on their Lenten journey.
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