HOMILY 3RD SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR A 2026
WATER OF LIFE – SPIRIT AND TRUTH
Jn 4.5-42 Ex 17.3-7 Rom 5.1-2,3-8
Don’t we know that the world is a diverse and complicated place? The events of the past week in Iran and the Middle East remind us of that. We can only hope that the conflict is limited to a short time, and that life for the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire can return to some sort of normality and security. Pope Leo, as a credible and trusted world leader, has expressed the obvious wish that peaceful means will be sought to resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation, rather than ongoing death and destruction. To quote him: “Stability and peace are not built with mutual threats, nor with weapons that sow destruction, pain and death, but only through a dialogue that is reasonable, authentic and responsible.” He then prayed that “diplomacy may regain its role and promote the good of the peoples who yearn for a peaceful coexistence founded on justice… Let us continue to pray for peace.”
It makes us all the more aware that the world is a global village, and that the tragic situation affects us all in some way or other, down to the price of petrol, but, also, on the human safety side, the thousands of people currently stranded in the Gulf cities and airport hubs so many of us have been through, at least in transit!!
A major worry is the lack of concern for human life, as conflicts go on in so many parts of the world, and yet we feel helpless to do anything about it, apart from praying and speaking up for peaceful initiatives to reduce the ongoing death and destruction. If only we could stop the arms manufacturers, but we’re not in an ideal world, are we?
Today’s Gospel is topical for the current times, as here we have the Samaritans, a group of people, represented by the woman at the well, to whom the Jewish people had been traditionally hostile, but in the middle of their territory! Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
I’ve actually been to Jacob’s Well, in January 1977 (with Joe Doolan and John Fitzgerald, both of whom, unlike myself, had played footy for St Bernard’s back then!). There was a Presbyterian minister with us, who got so excited, that he nearly lost his false teeth (not that I can talk now!), and dropped his Bible down the well, but it was retrieved in a bucket, so he was happy!
One theory is that this locality was colonised in the 8th century BC, by foreigners, who brought their gods with them from 5 Pagan cities far away, but who arrived and were well settled there by the time of Jesus, and had somehow adapted a monotheistic faith, influenced by the Jewish belief in the one God of the Covenant. One big difference was that they didn’t see the need, and wouldn’t have had the opportunity for worship in the Jerusalem temple, and Mt Gerizim was their local alternative! Now Jesus emphasises that it is not the place of worship that matters, but the manner and sincerity of worship and life well lived, wherever one may be. As usual, he moves without hesitation, to break down the barriers of misunderstanding and prejudice, which had endured over the centuries, but with limited success!
The encounter with Jesus is a moment of truth for the woman at the well, who at first rejects him as he approaches her at the well, with suspicion and even hostility, not so surprising, given the history and time and place. Yet, Jesus persists, after she seems to decline his request for a drink of water. His reciprocal offer is of living water, which will sustain the person who professes faith in him, perhaps prefiguring Christian baptism? So it’s a turning point for her, as Jesus has insight into her complicated life, but again, reaching out to the sinner and offering another chance. The symbolism of the 5 husbands is suggested to be a reference to the 5 Pagan cities from the past, but who knows?
The fundamental message is that Jesus brings life and hope with his proclamation of truth and enduring presence of his Spirit. As the Jerome Biblical Commentary says: “This episode presents the Samaritan woman as the first missionary. Jesus’ exchange with the disciples also focuses on the task of evangelization… John understands ‘Spirit’ to be the Spirit of God, which purifies the believer and is a permanent possession. God’s truth can also be spoken of as purifying the sinfulness and perversity of humanity… The discourse concludes on the theme of mission. Jesus’ disciples return as the woman goes into the town to bring people to Jesus.” And they respond to him in faith.
Says Brendan Byrne SJ: “Jesus… breaks through a strong ethnic (Jews and Samaritans), and social (man talking in public to a woman not of his family) barrier… to overcome the age-old hostility between Jews and Samaritans, reconstituting an inclusive People of God… The drama of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well shows how one person’s conversion in conversation with Jesus, foreshadows and indeed leads to a world-wide outreach of salvation.”
So, you and I are challenged to be people of Spirit and truth, as we apply the Gospel to our own lives, as we move on through the path of Lent to Holy Week to Easter.
And as a reminder to support Project Compassion, this week, we have the story of Moranjon in Bangladesh, near the sea, where floods and storms often damage his home.
Let’s together continue to help make poverty history through our support and generosity, building a safer and more sustainable future for all.
john hannon 8th March 2026