Third Sunday in Lent, Year A, March 15, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 17:1-7)

After Israel’s miraculous escape from Egypt at the hand of the Lord, the people bitterly complain to Moses that they will die because there is no water in the wilderness. The Lord commands Moses to strike a rock in order to provide life-giving water for them.

Psalm (95)

The Psalmist calls the people to worship the Lord with thanksgiving because of who he is and what he has done. He warns them not to be like their ancestors who tested the Lord by complaining in the wilderness and were denied entrance into the Promised Land.

Second Reading (Romans 5:1-11)

St. Paul marvels at the grace of God who saved us through Christ while we were still weak sinners and his enemies. This is a work of the Holy Spirit who enables our sufferings to create, in turn, endurance, character and a hope that does not disappoint.

Gospel (John 4:5-42)

In Samaria Jesus offers a woman water that produces eternal life, although he knows she is a sinner from a despised race. Astonished at his insight, she goes home to share her experience. Saying true food is doing God’s work, Jesus remains there to preach.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord saves us in spite of our unworthiness (grace)
  • Jesus is the only source of eternal life, the font of every blessing
  • We are made right with God to live right with God (and our neighbours)
  • God has done so much for us we are without excuse for not serving him with all our hearts

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ gives the water of eternal life, may we always thirst for you,
the spring of life and source of goodness;
through him who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. AMEN.