The 3rd Sunday of Lent invites reflection on the transient nature of worldly temptations and their inability to grant eternal life. It encourages a focus on what truly brings us closer to God. This Sunday is an opportunity for classrooms, youth groups, and families to explore themes such as change of heart, baptism, and social justice issues like racism and immigration. It emphasizes the importance of living God's commandments deeply and authentically in our hearts. Additionally, the day calls for repentance and a return to the Lord, highlighting the sacrament of reconciliation and genuine transformation of our ways.

Sunday Year A: Sunday March 8, 2026
Sunday Year B: Sunday February 28, 2027
Sunday Year C: Sunday March 23, 2025

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Mass Readings for 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A

Sunday March 8, 2026

See resources, homilies, and more for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A readings here.

• First Reading - Exodus 17:3-7: The Israelites, while wandering in the wilderness, grew thirsty and complained to Moses about the lack of water. God instructed Moses to strike a rock with his staff, and water poured out for the people to drink, thus demonstrating God's provision and care for his people.
• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 95: Worship and praise God with joy and thanksgiving, and to listen to his voice without hardening hearts. This psalm warns against the temptation to doubt or test God, referencing the Israelites' behavior at Meribah and Massah.
• Second Reading - Romans 5:1-2, 5-8: Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers have been justified and made at peace with God. This access to grace gives hope and allows believers to boast in the glory of God. The passage goes on to express the incredible love of God demonstrated in Christ's death for sinners, which highlights the depth of God's love for humanity.
• Gospel - John 4:5-42: Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well and engages her in conversation. Through their discussion, Jesus reveals himself as the Messiah, and the woman becomes a believer and shares the news of Jesus with her community, leading many to believe in him as well.

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Mass Readings for 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B

Sunday February 28, 2027

See resources, homilies, and more for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B readings here.

• First Reading – Exodus 20:1-17: God gives the Ten Commandments, which are a set of fundamental laws given by God to the Israelites through Moses. The commandments cover various aspects of human behavior, such as the obligation to worship God alone, honor parents, avoid murder, adultery, theft, and false witness.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 19: God's words are perfect, trustworthy, right, and true, bringing wisdom and joy to those who follow them. The psalmist emphasizes the value of God's words, which are more precious than gold and sweeter than honey.
• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:22-25: Paul explains that the message of the cross may seem foolish to some and a stumbling block to others, but to those who are saved, it is the power of God. He contrasts the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God, asserting that God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.
• Gospel – John 2:13-25: Jesus goes to Jerusalem during Passover and becomes angry at the merchants and money changers in the temple, accusing them of turning the house of God into a marketplace. When challenged, Jesus predicts his own death and resurrection, and many believe in him because of the miracles he performs.