Reflection of the Word of God, Third Sunday of Lent, March 3rd 2024

Sunday Readings: Ex 17, 3-7; Rom 5, 1-2.5-8; Jn 4, 5-42

Today the gospel tells us that while Jesus was in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, many began to believe in his name when they saw the signs he was doing. But Jesus would not trust himself to them because he knew them all and did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.

Jesus knows us inside. The Lord did not trust the Jews, but can Jesus trust in you and me? Jesus knows everything that is inside our hearts: we cannot deceive Jesus. Before Him, we cannot pretend to be holy and lead a life that is not what He wants. And He knows it. We cannot be hypocrites.

It will be good for us to pray in our hearts and say to Jesus: "Look, Lord, I have good things, but there are also not-so-good things, I am a sinner." This does not scare Jesus. If you tell him: "I am a sinner," he is not afraid. Jesus detests hypocrites, but he embraces the sinner who recognizes his sin and encourages him to renew himself and receive his mercy in abundance.

Fr. Martin