Readings for March 19, 2017 — Third Sunday of Lent
Exodus 17:3-7; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; Romans 5:1-2, 5-8; John 4:5-42 or John 4:5-15, 19B-26, 39A, 40-42
Suggested Reflection Questions:
- In the first reading, the people complain to Moses that they are thirsty. They lack trust that God will provide for all that they need. Their hearts are hardened. God tells Moses to strike a rock and the water begins to flow. Why is it so difficult for God to soften our hearts? Why do we sometimes resist God’s love?
- The second reading from Romans teaches us that even when the pressures of life weigh heavy on our hearts, God is always there to pick us up, show us the way, and help us to continue moving forward. Think of a time when you felt beaten down by life’s struggles. Did you turn to God in this moment? If so, how did it help you get through the struggle? If not, how do you think doing so might have helped you more?
- In the Gospel reading, the Samaritan woman shares the good news that Jesus was here. She went out and gave testimony to her encounter with Christ. What does it mean to be an evangelist? What are some ways you can or have shared the good news as the Samaritan woman did?