“I thirst”. This is one of Jesus’ last words on the cross. What a meaningful statement! He thirsted physically for water to quench His dehydration. But more than that, Jesus thirsted spiritually for the salvation of our souls. He also thirsted for our love. Let’s us ponder as if Jesus says these words to you: “I thirst for you!” I think Jesus wants express His deep and burning thirst for your love. You respond to Jesus’ love by returning your love. So on this Good Friday let’s giving Him your love.
Jesus thirsts for both physically and spiritually and therefore He took on a long journey of carrying the cross, being tortured, crucified. He also was taking on the betrayal of His own disciples. He was thirsty because of the hard faith of the Jews and the high priests. He was thirsty because of the discrimination of race, color, class, and culture. He was thirsty because of his love for humanity. He was thirsty to pour out the living water for all nations.
Today, He is thirsty to wake people up like calling for Peter’s conversion. He is calling people to change their way of life and attitude towards nature, each other and the Creator. He calls upon the witness of faith and hope of believers. He is thirsty for peace, love, and charity of mankind from us. That’s what we see in doctors, nurses, volunteers, priests, religious and laity. The image of the suffering pope and his call for prayers are also the thirst of Jesus. The inability of mankind to the epidemic of Covid-19 says clearly that only God can satisfy that thirst. Believers are also thirsty because there is no direct Mass. Therefore, it’s the reminder of the grace and the importance of the Mass. People also are thirsty and hungry because they have no jobs, no food, no houses. Through these sufferings, God wants to awake people’s consciousness, responsibility and charity. Am I thirsty? What am I thirsty for? Do I feel or see the thirst of Jesus in people, society and the world today? What satisfies my thirst?
Lord! I know You thirst for my soul. You had finished what You started by dying on the Cross for my salvation and the salvation of the world. Help me to understand Your love and to accept it into my life. Lord! We thank you for having died on the cross for us. Most fortunate is the person who walks by the way of Calvary, following Jesus our Redeemer, for if we suffer with Christ now, we shall reign with Christ in the glory of the Father. Those who suffer tribulations and persecutions and are despised for the love of God are helping Jesus Christ carrying His cross. If they persevere, they will be partaken his glory in heaven. Lord! Let us be glad when we are afficted. And if we feel the cross is heavy on our shoulders, and if we suffer with the patience like Christ, we will be truly his disciples. Amen.
Good Friday 2020
Sr. Teresa Phuong Chinh, MTG Thủ Đức
