On The Cross, JESUS Cried Out, "I Thirst"

        On The Cross, JESUS CRIED OUT, “I THIRST”

Eileen Renders

John 19:28 When Jesus cried out on the Cross, “I thirst”, He was feeling intense physical suffering and a profound spiritual longing for souls. It highlights His true humanity, affirms the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, and expresses His desire for human love and our salvation. During hours of torture, blood loss, and exhaustion, Jesus experienced real, intense bodily thirst. John notes that Jesus accepted the Cross to fulfill scripture and to confirm that He was the Messiah.

Saint Teresa of Calcutta famously reflected that Jesus thirsts for our love, faith, and the salvation of every human being.

“I Thirst” is understood not just as a cry for water, but as a passionate plea for us to receive His love.

The Creator of all beings, both human and animal, God also created the world. He sent His only Son to Earth to take the shape and being of humans, to live as a human, to feel as a human, to die for our sins, and to be the resurrected Messiah. This is love with a capacity beyond understanding. Not only was Christ mocked on the Cross, but we here on earth continue to ignore His love, His sacrifice, His Commandments in exchange for temporary human love. We, too, hurt Jesus continually through sin. The same sin He allowed Himself to be crucified for to save our souls.

How can we return God’s love?

We acknowledge God’s love and sacrifice by completely surrendering our lives to God’s plan for us.

Saint Therese of Lisieux (The Little Flower). In a picture, she saw blood dripping from Jesus’ hand and was emotionally and spiritually compelled to “quench His thirst” by praying for the conversion of souls.

Saint Therese had a Missionary Spirit, and through becoming a cloistered nun, she became the Patroness of Missions and dedicated her small daily sacrifices to “slaking the thirst” of Christ for the salvation of humanity. Jesus is said to have told her, “The flames of mercy are burning in Me. I desire to pour them out upon souls.”

Paradox: Thirst is actually a desire to give---He thirsts for us to trust Him so He can flood our souls with mercy.

Psalm 69:21   Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies and highlights His true humanity. It also expresses His desire for human love and our salvation.

How Can We Return the Love Jesus longs for?

Spending quiet time alone with God in prayer, and allowing time to “feel” His presence.

Keeping in mind Jesus’ words. “Whatever you do for the least of My brethren, you do unto Me.”

Taking opportunities to comfort and support others in the name of Jesus.

Surrendering our needs, wants, and desires to Him in exchange for His reward of total trust in Him.