Vatican City: During the Angelus address on the Third Sunday of Lent, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the Gospel account of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, reminding the faithful that Christ alone can satisfy the deepest spiritual thirst of humanity. Addressing pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope called believers to authentic discipleship, attentive service, and inner renewal during the Lenten season.
Drawing from the Gospel narrative, the Pope explained that the meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan woman reveals how God responds to the spiritual longing present in every human heart. He said that when a person truly encounters Christ, something profound happens within them like a spring that begins to flow endlessly toward eternal life.
The Holy Father emphasized that Lent is a special period for spiritual purification and reflection. According to him, this season invites believers to remove the inner barriers that prevent them from experiencing the grace of God fully.
To illustrate this idea, the Pope referred to the writings of Etty Hillesum, the Dutch Jewish author and diarist, who once wrote that when God appears hidden beneath “stones and dust,” it is the responsibility of believers to uncover Him again. The Pope explained that through prayer, repentance, and sincere reflection, people can rediscover God’s presence in their lives.
Reflecting further on the Gospel scene, the Pope spoke about the reaction of Jesus’ disciples, who were surprised to see Him speaking with a Samaritan woman. Their astonishment revealed the social and cultural barriers of their time, which initially made it difficult for them to understand the universal nature of Christ’s mission.
However, Jesus’ approach offered a powerful lesson. The Pope noted that Christ treated the woman with dignity, attentiveness, and without judgment. This attitude, he said, should serve as a model for all Christians in their relationships with others.
Quoting Jesus’ words, “Look around you and see how the fields are ripe for harvest,” the Pope encouraged believers to recognize opportunities for faith and grace even in places where they might not expect them.
The Pope also highlighted the role of the Samaritan woman as one of the earliest evangelizers in the Gospel narrative. After encountering Jesus, she shared her experience with her community, leading many others to believe.
Her story, the Pope explained, demonstrates how a genuine encounter with Christ can transform a person into a messenger of faith. He added that moments of authentic listening and attention to others often open the door to deeper understanding and spiritual renewal.
“How beautiful it is,” the Pope said, “when we forget the passage of time because we choose to give attention to the person before us.”
Concluding his reflection, Pope Leo XIV invited the faithful to seek the intercession of Mary, honored in the Church as Mother of the Church, asking her to guide believers in serving those who thirst for truth, justice, and hope.
He also urged Christians to rise above divisions and avoid thinking in terms of “us” and “them.” True worship of God, he said, should lead believers to become instruments of peace and unity in the world.
“Those who truly worship God,” the Pope said, “are called to become men and women of peace, worshipping Him in Spirit and in truth.”