There is a custom in the Church to preach on the Seven Last Words the Lord spoke as He hung on the Cross. In particular, the fifth word is Thirst. This year we will reflect on it.

At one point the mouth and throat of Jesus had to be parched. For better than a day the man had been deprived of food and drink. Furthermore, Jesus sweated and bled a good portion of His bodily fluids as He was tortured and made to carry his own cross. So he was thirsty, “I thirst.” (John 19: 28 – 29)

Jesus was aware of thirst, Humankind’s thirst. Although perhaps humans have not been aware of what they thirsted for. Observing humanity now it might be noticed that many people know they are thirsty but cannot identify what they are thirsty for or how to quench thirst. Jesus invited all who are thirsty to come to Him (John 7). He would provide “living water”.

However, rather than “fantasize” what it was like for Jesus as he hung on the cross let us reflect on what we thirst for. Jesus’ thirst was reflective of our thirst.

Reflect on your own thirst. What do you long for most? Go beyond the material things you might want. Go even beyond physical resources you might need such as food and water and a roof over your head. For a moment delve deeper into the core of yourself reflecting on what you need and desire most.

Do it now.

Human beings need fullness and fulfillment of life. Respecting the greatness of our creator, God, in our being His creatures we long for affection. We need someone to care about us and for us as we care about them and for them. Moreover, gentle warmth and appreciation goes a long way to building each other up in mind, body and spirit. And, when a life event brings on a great challenge and even angst it is marvelous to have a strong advocate alongside of us.

Yes, many people, maybe you today, lack these qualities of life. Maybe this is why you decided to come to celebrate with us at Blessed Sacrament Parish today on Easter Sunday. There has always been something about Easter that you know is uplifting.

What you thirst for the Lord thirsts for. We are created in His own image. So, it seems He sees and feels what we do. You may say He desires them for us. Yet, his desire for them is really His awareness of our lacking. For surely, God lacks nothing. Moreover, the Lord wants to fill us up, that is, give us fulfillment.

Remember, as we celebrate Easter we celebrate the Resurrection. The Resurrection is the power of God’s creative love that overcomes all evil, even death on a cross. Jesus did not remain on the Cross. He now reigns in Glory. The whole Jesus event blasts open the way to heaven. And it makes available the Grace of God here and now!

Simply tap into the creative power of God. Say, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.” You will tap into the power of the Resurrection. Yes, you will.

Jesus may not thirst in the same way he did bound to the cross. By the will of the Father, Jesus has broken the bonds of sin. Now there is an open pathway to His Grace even as we still live here on Earth. Jesus sees from his vantage point of Eternal Heaven all the Good that has taken hold and all the Good that is yet to come.

Grace builds on Grace. Thirst is quenched. Jesus is RISEN, ascended to the Father and they have sent the Holy Spirit. We are saved. Happy Easter. Alleluia!