Liturgical Information
The Third Sunday of Lent (A)

Themes & Motives: water, faith, forgiveness, good works

Introit:
My eyes are ever fixed on the Lord, for he releases my feet from the snare, O look at me and be merciful, for I am wretched and alone. (Psalm 25:15-16)

Opening Prayer:
Father,
you have taught us to overcome our sins
by prayer, fasting and works of mercy.
When we are discouraged by our weakness,
give us confidence in your love.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

• Exodus 17:3-7 [You shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it. /v.6]
• Psalm 95:1-2 / 6-7 / 8-9 [R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. /v.8]
• Romans 5:1-2,5-8 [The love of God has been poured out within our hearts. /v.5]
• Gospel Verse: See Jn 4:42,15 [Lord, you are truly the Savior of the world; give me living water, that I may never thirst again.]
• John 4:5-42 [The water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life. /v.14]

Offertory Antiphon: **
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye; sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb. Your servant is careful of them, very diligent in keeping them.
     Verses of   Psalm 91  can also be sung between repetitions of the antiphon.

Prayer over the Gifts:
Lord,
by the grace of this sacrifice
may we who ask forgiveness
be ready to forgive one another.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

Preface for the Third Sunday of Lent: [The Woman of Samaria]
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

When he asked the woman of Samaria for water to drink,
Christ had already prepared for her the gift of faith.
In his thirst to receive her faith
he awakened in her the fire of your love.

With thankful praise,
in company with the angels,
we glorify the wonders of your power.

  Holy, holy, holy Lord...

Communion Antiphon:
Whoever drinks the water that I shall give him, says the Lord, will have a spring inside him, welling up for eternal life. (John 4:13-14)

Prayer after Communion:
Lord,
in sharing this sacrament
may we receive your forgiveness
and be brought together in unity and peace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Solemn Blessing:
The Father of mercies has given us an example of unselfish love
in the sufferings of his only Son.
Through your service of God and neighbor
may you receive his countless blessings. Amen.

You believe that by his dying
Christ destroyed death for ever.
May he give you everlasting life. Amen.

He humbled himself for our sakes.
May you follow his example
and share in his resurrection. Amen.