Thoughts
“I thirst.” As he hung dying on the cross, Jesus was not just stating the obvious biological truth that he was dehydrated – from lack of water and from loss of blood. Physically, mentally and emotionally our Lord was beyond anything we can imagine. Already the night before in the Garden of Gethsemane – even before His carrying of the cross, His brutal scourging, the blows and His lack of sleep – Jesus had reached such a state of physical shock that He bled through His skin. This was not a physical thirst, but a thirst born from the depth of His soul… A thirst foryou. A thirst that He lovingly embraced so as to pour out a life-spring of water into your parched soul. A thirst that all of the suffering and torture and even His impending death would be enough to convince you of His love for you. A thirst that His complete gift of Self would be received by you and lead to your eternal salvation.
Challenge
Lent is coming to a close, Holy Week is upon us and the Easter Season begins on Sunday. Respond to the thirst of Jesus. Your gratitude for His passion, your desire to love Him in return and your resolution to follow Him more closely is how you can satiate His thirst and console His Heart “that loves so much but is so little loved in return.” Weep with Mary, John and the women this Holy Thursday and Good Friday. On Saturday, ponder silently the depth of God’s love and sacrifice for you. On Sunday and during the days that follow rejoice in the Glory of God- Christ is Risen! Alleluia!. But every day, whether in tears or in joy, say to Jesus, “Thank you… I love you…. I want to quench your thirst for me.”
Go Deeper
+Attend the Mass of the Last Supper at your parish on Thursday night
+Spend an hour alone in prayer with Jesus on Thursday night
+Fast on Good Friday
+Attend a service on Good Friday
+Family Easter activities: CatholicMom
+Learn about Divine Mercy: Marians of the Immaculate Conception
+Receive the Indulgence granted on Divine Mercy Sunday (April 27): EWTN
+Read the book: Consoling the Heart of the Redeemer: Consoling the Heart
+Pray the Regina Coeli every day during the Easter Season: Regina Coeli
+Check out these great CDs from Lighthouse Catholic Media: Easter CDs
+Why did Jesus have to die on the cross : NewAdvent