I Thirst

The fifth reflection talks about Christ who went without water since the Last Supper. After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst” (John 19:28).

The human person can go without water for an average of three days. Some factors can be changed due to age or the needs of an individual. We are even told to drink about six cups of water daily to replace water our body loses. It makes sense for those who work out, drink caffeinated liquids, and so on.

From the Last Supper to about three in the afternoon, Christ went without water. In between, he lost blood from the scourging he endured. It was needed for his body.

What we must understand about this passage is that Jesus wasn’t thirsting for water. Rather, he was thirsting for the souls of every person who will exist.

In her devotional “I Thirst”, St. Teresa of Calcutta puts it well when she said, “I THIRST FOR YOU. I thirst to love you and to be loved by you. So precious are you to Me that I THIRST FOR YOU.  Come to Me, and I will fill your heart and heal your wounds. I will make you a new creation and give you peace even in your trials.”

Sometimes we forget how empty we are. We too must thirst for God just as he thirsts for us. He thirsts for us. He thirsts for us to seek his mercy. He thirsts for those who have gone astray. He thirsts for souls to repent of their wickedness.

She continues, “All I ask of you is that you entrust yourself to Me completely. I will do all the rest. From this moment, now, I behold the place My Father has prepared for you in My Kingdom. Remember that you are a pilgrim in this life traveling back home. Sin can never satisfy you, or bring the peace you seek. All that you have sought outside of Me has only left you more empty, so do not tie yourself to the things of this world; above all, do not run from Me when you fall.”

Place your trust in God just as Christ. He will quench our thirst for him.