In a world full of standards and expectations, we find ourselves wanting to earn God’s love. Scripture offers us a different story: grace is not a prize for the worthy, but a gift for the thirsty.

March 8, 2026: Third Sunday of Lent, Year A
Exodus 17:3–7
Psalm 95:1–2, 6–9
Romans 5:1–2, 5–8
John 4:5–42

A Gift for the Thirsty

A reflection by Sam Barnes

When I moved across the country, I was welcomed into the fold of A, B, C grading. My elementary school had used a one through five system so I thought that As and Bs were things from TV shows and movies that misrepresented American culture. But, lo and behold, my first assignment earned me a crisp C. I was mortified. How could I, a student who earned mostly ones, make a C in my biology class?

It’s safe to say that my grades were decent throughout the rest of my academic years, even if there were a few Cs peppered in there. The culture of A, B, C grading and standardized tests instilled in me something that has yet to be unrooted–the idea of earning. I earned good grades through hard work and hours of studying. I earned praise from my parents by excelling in school and my extracurriculars. I earned God’s love by saying the Hail Mary ten times followed by a Glory Be.

The readings this week offer a different perspective from my American work ethic. In Exodus 17:3–7, the Israelites argue amongst each other and doubt God's plan for them. All of their complaining gets on Moses's nerves until he cries out, "What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me." Despite the Israelites' doubt, God still performs a miracle through Moses by splitting open a rock and pouring forth water. What exactly did the Israelites do here to earn God's life-saving water?

In Romans 5:1–2, 5–8 we hear again the story of how Jesus died for us. Scripture describes it perfectly with: "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." How is it that sinners have earned Christ's sacrifice?

Last, in John 4:5–42, we recount the story of the Samaritan woman at the well whom Jesus implores for some water. The woman protests, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" Not only is she a Samaritan, but we go on to learn that she took multiple lovers, which made her an outcast in that society. What exactly has she done to earn the right to serve Jesus some water?

The answer lies in Scripture. Romans 5:2 states, "we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand." God’s rewards for us are not earned, they are granted through grace. Grace does not trifle itself with meticulous standards or unscathed reputations. Grace is freely and wholly given to us LGBTQ+ folks as children of God.

While we do not have to do anything to earn this grace, God still asks us for faith. Faith can look like so many different things to so many people. Are the Theravada Buddhist monks that walked 108 days from Texas to Washington, D.C. to advocate for peace not faithful? Are the hundreds of thousands of Muslims fasting right now for Ramadan not faithful? If we find comfort in saying the rosary, then say the rosary. But if you find comfort in holding up your phone to your ear and talking to Jesus like a best friend, then spill the tea, girl!

As LGBTQ+ people, we are faithful just by being ourselves and praising God in our own way. Hold fast to these Scriptures when people try to take that away from you, and remind them that Christ died for sinners and saints alike. Whatever and wherever we are, the Lord is with us. Amen.

Sam Barnes is a youth advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in Catholic and religious spaces. They have a master’s degree in policy and work in the international affairs space. They previously served as the Editor-in-Chief of the International Affairs Review published by The George Washington University. In their free time they enjoy rock climbing and reading, and volunteer with a local mentorship program for high schoolers.