To the Ends of the Earth: Legacy – Week 3, Day 1 – The New is Coming and the Old Will Pass Away
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, “If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.’”
John 7:37–38
Christ made this call on the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the day of a solemn ceremony which involved the pouring out of sacred water. This ritual contained layers of symbolism and pointed to the future outpouring of the Spirit of God upon the lives of the broken and the lost. Jesus stood up and called to the people to come and drink from the water of life. Through this invitation, he was fulfilling the Old Testament signs.
It is important for Catholic men to acknowledge our need for the living water that Christ brings to us through his sacrifice on the cross. We cannot let our pride, our selfish desires, or our independent spirits keep us from turning to the one who can fill the empty places in our hearts. If we fail to admit our dependence on Christ, our witness becomes worthless. Jesus longs to fill us with his grace, and as we allow his grace to flood into our hearts, it will spill over into everything we do.
Questions for reflection
In what ways are you spiritually thirsty? How has Christ filled your needs?
Why is it so important for each of us to acknowledge our need for this living water?
What areas of self-focus do you need to put aside so that you can accept Christ’s overflowing love and allow it to spill out into the lives of other men?
Praying with Scripture
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. (Is 12:3).
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE