Third Sunday of Lent

The Third Sunday of Lent marks the midpoint of the Lenten season. The readings for this Sunday vary by liturgical year but often focus on themes of living water, spiritual thirst, and turning away from sin.

The Samaritan Woman (Year A)

In Year A, the Gospel features Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well:

"Jesus answered her, 'Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life…" — John 4:13-14

This powerful narrative about living water has made it the traditional Gospel for the First Scrutiny of catechumens preparing for baptism at Easter.

Call to Repentance (Year C)

Year C presents Jesus' call to repentance through the parable of the barren fig tree:

"He answered, ‘Lord, leave it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit, fine; but if not, after that, you can cut it down.’'" — Luke 13:8-9

God is patient, giving us time to repent and bear fruit—but that time is not unlimited.

The Scrutinies

For catechumens (those preparing for baptism), the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sundays of Lent feature the Scrutinies—rituals of prayer and exorcism that prepare them for the sacraments of initiation. The whole Church joins in praying for their journey.

Deepening Conversion

By the third week of Lent, our initial resolutions may be flagging. The novelty has worn off; the discipline feels harder. This Sunday calls us to renew our commitment and deepen our conversion.

Spiritual Thirst

The image of water reminds us of our baptism and our continuing thirst for God. As the deer longs for flowing streams, so our souls long for the living God. Only Christ can satisfy this thirst.

The Midpoint

We are halfway through Lent. Easter is visible on the horizon. The journey continues—through conversion, through discipline, through the cross—toward resurrection.