3rd Sunday of Lent Year A

• First Reading – Exodus 17:3-7: The Israelites, thirsty and doubting God’s presence, quarrel with Moses. God instructs Moses to strike a rock at Horeb, miraculously providing water, and the place is named “Massah” and “Meribah.”
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 95: Let us joyfully sing and worship the Lord, our creator and shepherd. I urge openness to His voice today, unlike our ancestors who hardened their hearts despite witnessing His works.
• Second Reading – Romans 5:1-2, 5-8: Through faith, we are made right with God, gaining peace and the hope of sharing His glory. God’s love, given through the Holy Spirit, affirms this hope, shown in Christ dying for us as sinners.
• Gospel – John 4:5-42: In Samaria, Jesus met a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. He asked her for water, leading to a conversation about “living water” offering eternal life. Jesus’s insight into her life convinced her of his prophetic nature. He revealed the future of worship transcending locations, focusing on Spirit and truth. Declaring himself the Messiah, his interaction led many Samaritans to believe in him as the Savior of the world.

Lectionary Reference: 28

Upcoming dates: March 8, 2026, March 4, 2029, February 29, 2032

The 3rd Sunday of Lent in Year A focuses on themes of faith, conversion, and God’s desire to fill us with new life. The readings show us God’s response to human needs and how He calls us to turn to Him with open hearts.

• Spiritual Thirst: The Israelites thirsted in the desert, and the woman at the well thirsted for something deeper in life. God wants to satisfy our thirst for meaning and truth.
• God’s Faithfulness: God provides water to the Israelites in the desert and offers living water through Jesus to the Samaritan woman. These stories remind us that God is always faithful, even when we struggle to trust Him.
• Repentance and Conversion: The Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus changes her life. Lent is a time to repent and let God transform us just as He transformed her.
• God’s Love for Sinners: Jesus meets the Samaritan woman where she is, despite her sins and past. God does not turn away from us but invites us to receive His mercy.
• Jesus, the Living Water: Jesus speaks of the living water that brings eternal life. He alone can fulfill our deepest longings and give us life that never fades.
• Witness and Evangelization: After meeting Jesus, the Samaritan woman goes back to her town and shares her experience. Her witness shows us that sharing our faith can lead others to seek Jesus.
• Peace Through Reconciliation: St. Paul writes about the peace we have with God through Jesus. Lent calls us to seek this peace by being reconciled to God and others.

In Lent, the Church invites us to open our hearts to God’s love and mercy. The readings on the 3rd Sunday of Lent in Year A encourage us to deepen our faith and let God refresh our spirits.

Reflection Questions for the Story of the Samaritan Woman at the Well

The Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A shares the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, inviting us to explore themes of faith, conversion, and openness to God. This encounter offers rich ideas for reflection, such as Jesus breaking social barriers, the idea of “living water” as eternal life, and the woman’s response in sharing her faith with others.

Reflecting on these themes can deepen our understanding of God’s call in our lives and open us to recognize ways He nourishes and guides us. These reflections make good discussion points or journaling prompts for Lent.

Melt My Ice Heart Game

The game “Melt My Ice Heart” fits well with the themes of the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A, which highlight stubbornness and the need for a change of heart. In the first reading and psalm, we see the Israelites grumbling and hardened in their attitudes. The game involves teams trying to melt a giant ice cube, symbolizing the effort required to soften a resistant heart. Just as God provides water for His people, the game reminds us of the need to let go of stubbornness and open ourselves to God’s grace, allowing Him to melt our “ice hearts” with His love.

All Together Now – A Lesson Plan on Racism

The Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A, which tells of Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman, offers a chance to discuss racism and inclusion with teens. Jesus reaches across social and cultural divides by speaking with her, showing that God’s love is for everyone, not limited by background or status. This lesson on institutional racism can help teens understand how unfair advantages and disadvantages persist in society today. Just as Jesus looked beyond social norms to see the woman’s dignity, we are called to see and respond to injustices in our communities and strive for true equality.

Why Do We Consume But Are Not Satisfied?

The Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A, featuring the Samaritan woman at the well, reflects on our search for lasting fulfillment. Just as the woman came to the well seeking water, we often turn to material things, hoping they will satisfy our hearts. But Jesus shows her—and us—that only the “living water” He gives can truly satisfy. The Catholic Church teaches that our endless desire to consume comes from our need for God, not for more things. This story encourages us to look beyond consumerism and seek the lasting peace and purpose that only God can provide.

Lenten Resources for Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

The 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A calls us to open our hearts to God’s grace, making it an ideal time to deepen our practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These Lenten practices help us draw closer to God and reflect on what truly satisfies our hearts, much like Jesus’ offer of “living water” to the Samaritan woman.

Creative ways to engage in Lent can make these practices more meaningful, whether through setting aside extra time for prayer, fasting from certain distractions, or finding new ways to give to others. Each small act helps us turn toward God and seek renewal. You can find lots of ideas on this page. Here is a sample:

• Make Blessing Bags for the Homeless
• Go to a Weekday Mass
• Give Up Candy and Soda for a Week

The Thirsty Soul

In his homily for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the themes of thirst and grace, using the story of the Israelites in the desert and Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman. He explains that while we often try to satisfy our needs by “grasping” at worldly things, true satisfaction comes only from the grace of God.

Bishop Barron emphasizes that grace cannot be possessed or taken by force; instead, it is a gift meant to be received and shared with others. He encourages us to make our lives a gift, just as Jesus offers Himself to us.

The 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A brings us powerful readings that encourage us to deepen our faith and open our hearts to Jesus. In these passages, we see how Jesus reaches out to those in need, crossing boundaries and inviting them to new life. The story of the Samaritan woman at the well shows how a simple encounter with Jesus can lead to a life of faith, courage, and witness.

Breaking Down Barriers

The Gospel reading for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to consider how Jesus reaches across boundaries to show love and bring people to faith. When Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well, He crosses cultural and social lines. Jewish people at that time avoided Samaritans, and men generally didn’t speak openly to women they didn’t know. But Jesus doesn’t let these divisions stop Him. Instead, He shows that God’s love is for everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Jesus’ actions challenge us to examine our own lives. We may have people or groups we tend to avoid or judge, whether based on background, beliefs, or behavior. The 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A calls us to follow Jesus’ example by breaking down barriers and welcoming others with respect and kindness. Just as Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman, we are called to reach out, share our faith, and listen with compassion.

Through His conversation with the woman, Jesus shows that love and understanding are more powerful than division. In our divided world, this lesson is more important than ever. We are called to be peacemakers, willing to cross boundaries for the sake of love and truth. By breaking down barriers as Jesus did, we can share His message of hope and peace.

Open to Change

The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman is about more than just a conversation; it is an invitation to change. Jesus meets her in her daily routine, drawing water from a well. But instead of just quenching her physical thirst, Jesus offers her “living water,” something that will give her a new life. The 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A reminds us that Jesus also wants to meet us where we are and offer us this new life.

Jesus’ offer of living water is an invitation to open ourselves to Him, allowing His love to change our lives. Like the Samaritan woman, we may have things in our past that make us feel unworthy, but Jesus doesn’t hold these against us. He speaks to us as we are and calls us to accept His gift of new life. Through prayer, sacraments, or time spent reading the Bible, we can encounter Jesus and be refreshed by His presence.

Lent is a time when the Church invites us to seek that deeper relationship with Jesus. The 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A encourages us to let Jesus change our hearts, to give up old patterns of sin or fear, and to live with greater faith. When we open ourselves to Jesus, we grow in peace and joy. We also become better able to share His love with others.

A Woman Spreads the Good News

In the Gospel reading for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A, a Samaritan woman becomes an unlikely witness of Jesus. She comes to the well as part of her daily life, not expecting to encounter Jesus or be changed by Him. Yet, after her conversation with Him, she is filled with hope and eager to share her experience. This story shows us that God can use anyone to spread His message, regardless of their past or circumstances.

Jesus’ knowledge of the woman’s personal life makes her believe He is more than just a teacher; He could be the Messiah. She doesn’t keep this news to herself. Instead, she goes back to her town and tells everyone about Jesus. Through her witness, many in her community come to believe in Him. Her excitement and willingness to share her experience encourage us to be open about our faith with those around us.

This reading on the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A also reminds us that women have always had an important role in spreading the Good News. The woman at the well becomes one of the first people to share Jesus’ message with others. Like her, we can bring Jesus to our families, friends, and communities by sharing what He has done in our lives. Our stories can lead others to believe, just as hers did.

As we reflect on the lessons from the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A, we are invited to look at our own lives. Are we ready to break down barriers, to let Jesus bring us lasting change, and to share His love with others? Let these reflections encourage us to live with open hearts, sharing God’s message of love and hope in a world that deeply needs it.

Prayer

Lord, help us to seek You with open hearts and to welcome Your love that brings true life. Teach us to break down barriers and share Your peace with others. May we share Your love as a source of hope and joy in our communities. Amen.

• What barriers in my life might keep me from loving others as Jesus does?
• How can I reach out to someone who is different from me or who may feel alone?
• In what ways am I thirsting for God’s love and presence in my life?
• How can I open my heart to let Jesus change me this Lent?
• How has an encounter with Jesus brought peace or direction to my life?
• What is one way I can share my faith with others this week?
• Who in my life needs to know they are loved by God?
• How do I respond to people who may be judged by others?
• In what ways can I help build unity and understanding in my family or community?
• How does the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A inspire me to grow in my relationship with God?

These music selections for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A reflect themes of thirsting for God, renewal, and the life-giving water Jesus offers. They include songs that remind us of our need for God’s grace and our dependence on His mercy and forgiveness. Many songs focus on healing, trust, and seeking strength during times of struggle, resonating with the Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus at the well. Some selections call us to turn back to God, while others celebrate the joy of faith and community.

Together, these songs help us connect with the themes of the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A, encouraging us to seek God’s presence.

• All Who Are Thirsty by Brenton Brown & Glenn Robertson
• Amazing Grace / My Chains Are Gone by Chris Tomlin
• Can We Love? by Tom Booth
• Change Our Hearts by Rory Cooney
• Come To Jesus by Josh Blakesley & Sarah Hart
• Come to Me and Drink by Bob Hurd
• Come To the Lord by Steve Angrisano
• Come to the Water / I Will Run to You by John Foley & Matt Maher
• Desert Song by by Brooke Ligertwood
• Flow River Flow by Bob Hurd
• God Has Chosen Me by Bernadette Farrell
• Healing River of the Spirit by Ruth Duck
• How Can I Keep from Singing by Chris Tomlin
• I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say by The Hillbilly Thomists
• If Today You Hear His Voice by Jesse Manibusan
• Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher
• Mighty to Save by Laura Story
• O God, You Search Me by Bernadette Farrell
• Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United
• One Bread, One Body by John Foley
• Our God Is Here by Chris Muglia
• River of Glory by Dan Schutte
• Shall We Gather at the River by Robert Lowry
• Shepherd of Souls by John B. Dykes & James Montgomery
• Shine Jesus Shine by Graham Kendrick
• Song of the Body of Christ by Mary Haugen
• There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy by Fredrick William Faber
• You Are the Healing by Scott Soper
• You Know Who I Am by Matt Maher & Tom Booth

Music directors and musicians are invited to explore these selections and find those that best support the Lenten journey for their community. Consider trying these pieces in your liturgies, and share your thoughts or suggest other fitting songs in the comments. This exchange can inspire new ways to bring the season’s themes to life through music.

What date is the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A?

The next date is Sunday March 8, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

What are the Mass readings for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A?

The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday March 8, 2026 are:
First Reading – Exodus 17:3-7: Water from the Rock
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 95: Sing for Joy to the Lord
Second Reading – Romans 5:1-2, 5-8: Rejoicing in the Hope of Christ’s Love
Gospel – John 4:5-42: A Samaritan Woman’s Encounter with Jesus

Why do the Israelites complain in the desert in the first reading for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A?

The Israelites are thirsty and afraid they will die in the desert without water. This shows how doubt can take hold when we face hardships, and it reminds us to trust God’s care, even when things seem difficult.

How does the first reading for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A help us understand God’s love?

In Romans, Paul talks about the peace we have through Jesus, who died for us even when we were still sinners. This shows that God loves us before we even turn to Him and that His love is always waiting for us.

What does Jesus mean by living water in the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A?

Jesus talks about a different kind of water that gives lasting satisfaction. This living water represents a life in God, a life where God’s love and grace fill our hearts and satisfy our souls.

Why is Jesus talking with the Samaritan woman surprising?

In that time, Jewish people did not interact with Samaritans, and men did not usually speak publicly with women like this. By speaking with her, Jesus shows that God’s love is for all people, and we are called to look beyond divisions and see each other as God does.

How does the Samaritan woman’s life change after meeting Jesus?

After meeting Jesus, the Samaritan woman feels a new joy and leaves her old ways behind. Her story shows us that meeting Jesus changes us and invites us to leave behind our sins and live in a new way.

What does the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A say about God’s mercy?

This Gospel shows that God meets us where we are, even when we are far from Him. God’s mercy reaches us at any point and invites us to come back to Him without fear.

How can we apply the lesson of living water to our daily lives?

We often seek satisfaction in things that don’t last. The 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to turn to God for fulfillment and to trust that only He can satisfy our deepest needs.

What can we learn from the Samaritan woman sharing her experience with others?

The Samaritan woman shares her encounter with Jesus, and many people come to believe because of her. This teaches us that our personal stories of faith can inspire others to seek God and trust in Him.

Why does Jesus ask the woman for water?

Jesus asks for water to open a conversation with the Samaritan woman. This teaches us that God invites us into a relationship and wants us to talk to Him openly and honestly.

What does the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A teach us about trust in God?

The readings show that even when we are in doubt or face hardships, God is faithful. The 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A calls us to trust that God will provide for our needs and lead us closer to Him.