WHAT DO YOU THIRST FOR?
“I am thirsty” were among Jesus' last words on the cross.
Let's reflect on this. Traditionally, the Church has over-emphasized Jesus’ divine side, to the point that we forget He was also fully human, and able to feel all our physical ailments. For hours he had no food or drink. Beaten, bleeding, and carrying a heavy load midday--of course He would be thirsty. He also feels all emotions. When we are hurt, we are tempted to believe that everyone else is happy while we suffer alone. But here, Jesus shows that’s untrue. He too is hurt alongside us.
We also may ask, "What is my soul really thirsting for?"
Covid has worsened life's "ordinary" challenges. At this same time last year, everyone I know, including myself, was going through a profound darkness. Seemingly out of nowhere came my most intense depressive episode. I checked all the symptoms: constant fatigue, feeling like a failure, couldn't focus, unable to enjoy any activity, and a strong desire to run away or even end everything. All the mental health care providers I called were not taking new patients. Despairing, I reached out to Sr. Kim, though I didn't know what to say. And she compassionately responded, "when we accept that we are helpless in saving ourselves, we can surrender to God’s mercy." Through the desolation, through the longing, through the thirst, we can receive the living waters that Jesus promises.
Christ on the Cross,
lead me to thirst for you,
for true relationship with those around me,
with the poor and the oppressed.
Help me, in my thirst, to follow you
and give my life in selfless acts,
uniting my acts to yours on the Cross.
Amen. - Unknown
Susan Liem