The Third Sunday of Lent Reflection With Rev. Lizzie Robbins
The third Sunday of Lent marks a midpoint in the Lenten season and is a reminder that our journey towards Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of hope and joy.
In today’s gospel reading, we hear about the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus asks the woman for a drink of water, and in their conversation, he reveals himself to be the living water that brings eternal life. This living water is a spring of water welling up to eternal life, which satisfies our deepest thirst for spiritual refreshment.
The water jar that the Samaritan woman carries represents our own thirst for something more in life. We often look for fulfillment in material things or in the opinions of others, but true satisfaction can only be found in Jesus Christ, who offers us living water that never runs dry.
As we journey through Lent, we are reminded to turn towards Christ and seek the living water that he offers. We are called to deepen our faith and commit to living a Christian life, guided by the teachings of Christ and sustained by his grace.
So let us rejoice on this Third Sunday of Lent, knowing that in Jesus Christ, we have access to a spring of water welling up to eternal life, and let us strive to quench our thirst with the spiritual refreshment that only he can provide.
Our Little Roses is pleased to introduce the Reverend Lizzie Robbins‘ reflection on the third Sunday of Lent. In her reflection, Rev. Robbins reminds us of the sense of joy that can be found even in the midst of a penitential season, and encourages us to keep our hearts firm as we undertake spiritual exercises suitable for the season. We hope that her insights will inspire and uplift all those who seek to deepen their faith during this holy time.
Lizzie Robbins Third Sunday of Lent Reflection:
I was a total stranger when I first arrived at Our Little Roses. I remember flying in that October morning and seeing the verdant mountains surrounding the city. There were so many shades of green, different shades than the forests of New England I had walked through for the last three years while in seminary. “Welcome to the tropics,” I thought.
I had some apprehension about what I was getting myself into: this was my first time going to Honduras and my Spanish could have been better. Would I make friends? Would I learn what I came to understand?
As the stranger, I was unknown, seeking to be known. Those first hours after arriving, I played with the girls in the courtyard. There I was graciously, joyfully, lovingly, and unanimously welcomed and accepted. After a few rounds of Jenga and a water balloon fight, I began to feel at home. Our Little Roses is a place well-versed in welcoming strangers.
Not all places are so welcoming, however. When Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman at the well, he, too, is a stranger. For generations, the Jewish and Samaritan peoples were enemies. Both descendants of Jacob, they disagreed on many things, cultural and religious, including where was the proper place to worship God.
When Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman, she is surprised that a Jewish man would address her. He appears to be a stranger, but he knows deeply personal things about her life. Quickly, the woman recognizes Jesus as the Messiah and proclaims the news to her people. Suddenly, debates about where to worship become unimportant. God is standing right in front of her! Jesus says to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.” Jesus comes not just for his own people, but for all the peoples of the world, in all of the unique places where they can be found.
Because of the testimony of the Samaritan woman, many of her fellow Samaritans come to meet Jesus and he remains with them for two days. This is one example among many of when Jesus chooses women as ministers of his word. Her gracious willingness to help an unknown man asking for water opens her to the gift of receiving Christ face-to-face.
Be a stranger. Follow Jesus’s example to go into places where you are unknown. Maybe it’s a new church or an organization that needs volunteers where you can be of help. Maybe God is calling you to come on a mission trip to Our Little Roses. It’s important to practice”being the stranger” not only to get out of our comfort zones, but to allow those we encounter to change our hearts and plans—just as the Samaritan woman changed Jesus.
Wherever this new place is for you, Jesus is waiting, waiting with the holy water that will quench your thirst for eternity.
Third Sunday of Lent at Our Little Roses
We hope that Rev. Lizzie Robbins’ reflection on Third Sunday of Lent has filled you with a sense of joy and hope as we prepare for the ultimate reward of eternal life in heaven. As we reflect on the season of Lent and the message of repentance and forgiveness, we invite you to consider making a donation to Our Little Roses, a place that welcomes the stranger and provides a loving home for young girls in need. Your donation will help support the important work that is being done to provide education, healthcare, and a safe and nurturing environment for these girls. Thank you for your generosity and may you continue to find joy and hope in the season of Lent. Please donate today.