"I am thirsty"

Meditations and prayers on the last words of Christ
This is Holy Thursday – Our fifth step into Holy Week

You are now invited, each day of this week, to a time of personal reflection and prayer.

“I AM THIRSTY”

Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scriptures would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. (John 19:28-29)

Immanuel. God with us. The Creator of rivers and seas, the One who washes the lands with rains, THIRSTS. Never have we understood the words “fully human” in terms of Jesus any more than we do when we look into Jesus’ eyes as he hangs on the cross and hear his whispers, “I am thirsty”. And yet, we cannot possibly understand these three words completely for it is this Holy Thirst that has brought him to this place. The One who says, “I am thirsty” IS the Living Water. His “thirst” is what holds him on the cross for a little longer. His “thirst” is not only human, but it is the “thirst” of God who has an unfathomable love for us. He “thirsts” for us to live as children of faith, children forgiven and forgiving, children of new life. “For God so loves YOU (and the world), that he gave his only begotten son, that if YOU believe in him, You will have everlasting life.” Thirsts are quenched in your faith … God’s thirst for abundant life for you and your thirst for the love of God in your life.

Reflection: There is such longing in God’s thirst. Have I fully allowed the depth of his longings to sink into my heart? When will I recognize the thirst of God’s love for me and respond with my life and my love?

Prayer: Holy Living Water … you wash over me to cleanse me. Your cries of “I am thirsty” have my name attached to it. My love for you and my life given to you quenches your thirst and mine, doesn’t it? Open my heart so that I might hear your cries of thirst from the cross today. Give me a longing to be found by your love and a heart that wants nothing more than to carry your thirst-quenching love to others. Amen.

anna