As Catholics continue their Lenten journey, Pope Leo XIV reminded the faithful that only an encounter with Jesus can satisfy the deepest spiritual longing of the human heart.
Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Sunday Angelus on the Third Sunday of Lent, the Holy Father reflected on the Gospel account of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, drawing attention to humanity’s thirst for truth, mercy, and eternal life.
Pope Leo emphasized that Christ does not merely offer temporary comfort, but a life-giving relationship that transforms the human soul. “The encounter with Jesus stirs in the depths of each person a spring of water gushing up to eternal life,” the Pope said, according to Vatican News.
The Holy Father explained that Lent is a special time of grace when Christians are invited to remove the spiritual obstacles that prevent them from encountering God more deeply. He encouraged the faithful to examine their hearts and rediscover the presence of God within them.
Our Important Lenten Message – Please Watch
Recalling the words of Dutch Jewish author Etty Hillesum, the Pope noted that when people feel distant from God, it is often because He has been buried beneath the distractions and struggles of life. Hillesum once wrote that when God seems hidden beneath “stones and grit,” “He must be dug out again,” a reflection the Pope used to illustrate the work of spiritual renewal during Lent, according to Vatican News.
The Gospel scene also reveals the surprising way Jesus breaks through social and cultural barriers. The disciples were astonished to find Him speaking with the Samaritan woman, a moment that revealed their hesitation in fully understanding Christ’s mission.
Pope Leo said this reaction offers an important lesson for believers today. Christians must learn to see the world with the same openness and compassion that Christ demonstrated. “Look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting,” he said, urging the faithful to recognize the presence of God’s grace even in unexpected places, according to Vatican News.
The Pope also pointed to the Samaritan woman as an early example of evangelization. After encountering Jesus, she shared her testimony with others, leading many in her community to believe.
Her example highlights the important role that women have played throughout the history of the Church in spreading the Gospel. The Holy Father reflected on the beauty of genuine human encounters, saying that faith often grows through simple acts of attention and presence. “How beautiful it is when we lose track of time to give attention to the person we encounter,” he said, according to Vatican News.
As the Angelus message concluded, Pope Leo invited the faithful to entrust their Lenten journey to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. He encouraged Christians to serve those who are searching for truth, justice, and meaning in their lives.
The Holy Father also warned against division and the temptation to see others as opponents rather than brothers and sisters.
“Those who worship God seek to be men and women of peace, who worship him in Spirit and in truth,” the Pope said, according to Vatican News.
His message offered a clear reminder that authentic discipleship begins with a personal encounter with Christ and continues through service, humility, and unity within the Church and the world.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
