Third Sunday in Lent – March 8, 2026
Gospel: John 4:5-42
Rev. Natalia Terfa, “Urgent on the Bruise”
As a result of it’s right here that Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God, stands with the outsider to finish all outsiders, at excessive midday, all pretense stripped away, and provides her dwelling water. Not forgiveness, since there’s nothing to forgive, however provides her life and life ample. Life that can’t be taken away like a husband or a fame.
Rev. Lizzie McManus-Dail, “The Wanton Girl Preacher”
The girl in John 4 might need worn no matter was regarded as scandalous in first century Judea, she could have married her means across the fringes of city. Seemingly, although, there may be extra to her story than the colourful caricatures painted for me in that stale-smelling youth room — possible, there’s a story of grief. Of loss. Of eager for somebody to remain alive lengthy sufficient, or care sufficient, to be actually current to her.
Or maybe there’s something much more harrowing to her story. I can not hear about her now with out listening to echoes of the horrors etched throughout the hundreds of thousands of pages within the Epstein information. Ladies, kids, preyed upon as a result of like this girl, they might be seen strolling house from faculty alone. In want of companionship, of friendship, of being needed.
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Fourth Sunday in Lent – March 15, 2026
Previous Testomony: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann, “Between and Past Certitudes”
The seven good-looking, robust, spectacular sons of Jesse go one after the other earlier than Samuel, however none of them qualifies. Lastly after the seven sons, “the eighth son,” David, seems and is promptly chosen and anointed by Samuel. The prophet had been instructed by the Lord: Don’t look on his look or on the peak of his stature, as a result of I’ve rejected him… for they give the impression of being on the outward look, however the Lord appears to be like on the guts (I Samuel 16:7). The narrative has Samuel sketch out a brand new notion of humanity, and a brand new portrayal of manhood. This younger, good-looking king will act out his manhood otherwise!
Psalm: Psalm 23
Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann, “Insatiable!”
We’re invited to make a sheep who doesn’t overeat, who doesn’t retailer up or hoard meals, however who in profound confidence trusts the provisions of the shepherd who offers meals, water, and security. Such a sheep, in readiness to depend upon the items of the shepherd, eats solely what’s required for the day—no extras, no surplus, no extreme luxuries.
