Understanding the Catholic Family

 Third Sunday of Lent - 3/8/26 

By Fr. Charlie McCoy, C.S.C

An encounter with Christ can transform not only our inner selves, but also our relationships. Christ can move us from shame and isolation to communion.

Scripture Insight

There is much historical and Scriptural background to this Gospel passage, some well-known, some less so. The hostility between Jews and Samaritans, with the Samaritans as "second-class citizens" the imagery of water throughout the Old Testament, eg in today's first reading
the Scriptural accounts of important encounters, especially between men and women, at wells the particular isolation of the woman, as revealed by her coming to draw water alone at mid-day. It's noteworthy that, after her long conversation with Jesus, the Samaritan woman goes from a seeming loner to someone who excitedly gathers her community around her and leads them to Christ.

Family Life Connection

Christ, the real love of every heart, is the One at the center of your marriage. God inspires our consciences to recognize the true state of our lives not to bring us shame, but to help us move beyond guilt and shame into the fullness of His life. When we experience a true encounter with Christ -- His love and His mercy -- we can enter into our relationships with more confidence, more compassion, and more excitement.

Practical Takeaway for Families

Mom and Dad might tell their kids the story of how they met.

As an individual or as a family, you might reach out -- with a visit, a phone call, or even just a text -- to a family friend or an extended family member who could be a little lonely or isolated these days. Or you could say hello to a neighbor, a co-worker, or a classmate at school with whom you've never talked before.

As husband and wife, you might try to have a deeper conversation about explicit ways you can recognize or put God/Jesus at the center of your marriage

The Story

I have seen family members and friends who have been transformed -- not just in their interior lives but in the way they relate to others -- by a habit of Eucharistic Adoration. Spending time in encounter with Jesus has enriched their ability to encounter others.

Ultimate Question of Life /Awakening Faith

We have a fundamental, human need and desire for belonging, for connection with others. The subtle truth, though, is that we need to spend time alone with God, learning who we truly are, in order to bring our real selves into our relationships and form those deep connections.

Offer encouragement or insight for building a stronger prayer life at home

Sometimes, prayer time as a family might include sharing insights or experiences from our individual lives, just as the Samaritan woman told her neighbors what Jesus did for her.

Relate the Gospel to the HCFM monthly theme and how families can live it

The theme of the month is St. Joseph. In his great encounter with God's angel in the dream, St. Joseph, too, moved from concerns and anxieties about shame to that most wonderful act of human communion: inviting Mary (and the pre-born Christ) into his home as his family.

Closing Prayer or Blessing

Jesus, speak Your words of life and truth to us. Help us to know and love You more closely, so we may know ourselves more truly and encounter others more joyfully and gracefully.