We are called to be bold witnesses to our faith in Jesus and the Gospel He preached and lived, not merely through our words but through our actions. The Samaritan woman in today’s Gospel, who encountered Jesus at Jacob’s well, proclaimed her profound experience of Him. He knew her deepest secrets, and despite her sins and her heritage as a Samaritan, He showed her sincere love, respect, and concern. He offered her the true, life-giving water—Himself—assuring her that if she drinks from this water, she will never be thirsty again. At first, she was hesitant to believe in His words, even though she recognized Him as a prophet. However, she soon realized that the person before her was more than a prophet; He was God’s promised Messiah.
Most of us who are cradle Catholics believe in Jesus as the Son of God. Still, there are times when we experience doubt, and our faith in Him weakens, especially during challenging times, such as what we are facing now with the war in Iran.
Like the Israelites in the First Reading this Third Sunday of Lent from the Book of Exodus, we ask ourselves and one another, “Is the LORD in our midst or not?”
However, the true test of faith in God is not when everything in our lives seems to go well, but when we encounter challenges. During difficult and uncertain times, can we still trust that the Lord will never abandon us? Can we still feel His presence and blessings in our lives? Can we still hear and believe in His voice? Can we still hope in God, mindful of the words of St. Paul in the Second Reading this Sunday? “And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Friends, the best way to be bold witnesses to our faith in Jesus is to continue believing in Him, proclaiming our faith and hope amidst hardship, suffering, and anxiety. I witnessed this firsthand in the life of a parishioner this week. Despite her battle with stage three breast cancer, her faith in God remains strong. She trusts in the goodness of the Lord and His healing power, continuously praying and attending daily Mass. She also shares God’s blessings with her children, such as her daughter, who will soon graduate with a nursing degree. Her faith shines through her ailing body. Like the Samaritan woman in the Gospel, she boldly proclaims her faith in Jesus, trusting and hoping in His goodness.
On this Third Sunday of Lent, may we grow in profound faith in God, always proclaiming and hoping for His blessings and goodness, even in times of adversity.
In Christ’s love,
Fr. Rodel Balagtas