Daily Lenten Reflections

Sunday, March 8, 2026

Third Sunday of Lent

Reflection

What did you think when you heard that the Samaritan woman had “five husbands”? Is the gospel about the conversion of a loose woman?

The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman occurred amid significant religious, political, and social tensions. Jews and Samaritans viewed each other as heretics and enemies, and it was unconventional for a man and woman to meet alone.

Our prejudices lead to dangerous assumptions, particularly regarding the Samaritan Woman’s character. The text doesn’t confirm our negative assumptions. There are other possible explanations, such as widowhood or mitigating circumstances.

The gospel is a lesson on how to handle differences and overcome division and tensions. When the woman pitted the Jewish and Samaritan approaches to God against one another, Jesus led her beyond doctrinal and ritual differences. Jesus thirsted for her to know God as he did.

Despite her not actively seeking the Messiah, Jesus initiates a conversation, asks for a drink, and offers her “the gift of God” – “living waters”.

The gospel teaches us to transcend race, gender, and social status in our interactions and outreach, inviting everyone to God. The story shifts worship from a specific place to an internal, spiritual reality, worshipping God “in spirit and truth.”

Jesus offers “living water” that satisfies deep human needs through a relationship with him that brings true joy. The woman’s transformation leads her to share her story, demonstrating powerful, personal evangelism that draws others to Jesus.

Prayer

Ever-loving God, gift us with living waters that will wear down our differences and overcome our divisions and tensions. Satisfy our thirst for a deeper and richer relationship with you and others as we drink from the well of faith, hope, and love. Amen.

Rev. Richard Myhalyk, S.S.E., B.S. Chemistry ’66

Scripture

First Reading: Exodus 17:3-7
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9
Second Reading: Romans 5:1-2, 5-8
Gospel: John 4:5-42

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

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Mission of Edmundite Campus Ministry

The Mission of Edmundite Campus Ministry at Saint Michael’s College is to share the Good News of the Gospel with the College community by facilitating encounter with Jesus Christ. We do this through the celebration of the Church’s Liturgy, in programs promoting knowledge of the Catholic faith, by developing ecumenical and interreligious relationships, and providing retreats and other opportunities for personal spiritual growth.

The Catholic and Edmundite tradition upon which the College was founded is grounded in the conviction that all women and men are created in the image and likeness of God providing a special dignity unique to each person. Such dignity requires human life to be respected in all of its stages recognizing that we are all children of God.

Therefore, in its pursuit of furthering the Reign of God, the Edmundite Campus Ministry staff seeks to interact with and support every member of the College community in their search for Truth, contributing to the “enhancement of the human person and to the advancement of human culture in light of the Catholic faith.”