Gospel for March 8 2026 – John 4:5-42
Gospel Reflections for March 8 2026
When an enemy attacks…
Today’s Gospel describes a woman verbally attacking Jesus, and the news describes nations attacking each other in the Middle East. Let’s understand both events.
St. Augustine more than 1500 years ago knew that wars tragically happen all too often. He developed several steps in a Just War Theory that describe how a war could be morally justified. The Catechism of the Catholic Church outlines them starting in section 2309.
The first step is that war must only be in self-defense against a real mortal threat, such as a nuclear threat. I hope you read the other steps as well. However, the Church leaves it up to each person to decide for themselves whether any nation has fulfilled any or all of these steps.
Jesus meets an angry woman at noon at the village well. He is never in any mortal danger and so engages the woman in conversation. He knows that women usually meet in the morning, not only to draw water, but to socialize and share family news.
He notices this woman has come alone and at midday. He realizes other women avoid her because of her many marriages, and that rejection has made her a bitter person.
Our Lord speaks first, with a simple request for a drink, but then hears only insults. Most people would not tolerate angry behavior and move on.
However, Jesus knows His dignity comes only from His Father in heaven …and not this woman …and so He doesn’t take her insults personally. She is surprised …and slowly becomes curious about Jesus. Our Lord treats everyone well …whether they treat Him well or not!
Jesus loves you whether you are good or bad. His love only seeks that you change for the better.
She completely opens her life to Him, admitting all her past sins. Lent is your time to do the same. Like this woman, you can be open and honest with Our Lord about the sins in your life knowing that He will never turn you away.
You hear that at every Mass when He says, “This is my body and blood, given for you.” He offers His love for you now in the hope you will change your life …just like it did for this woman.
Our faith has important lessons about facing enemies, whether other nations or other people. Decide this Lent to learn even more.
Decide to attend the next University Series sessions.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
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