For over twenty years I participated in an ecumenical Good Friday service where seven different preachers from seven different church communities and different denominations reflected on one of the seven last words of Christ as written in the four Gospel accounts of the crucifixion. Over twenty years I have heard or given reflections on this Word. What was Jesus thirsting for?
I’m sure he was physically thirsty as he had had nothing to drink as he hung on the cross, and we don’t know if he had had anything to drink during the time of the beatings or as he carried the cross. But was he thirsting for something else as well? Perhaps he was thirsting for those who had walked with him to continue to believe. Maybe he was thirsting for justice or peace. I’m sure he thirsted for a more loving world. What do we thirst for?
Remember the time when he asked the Samaritan woman for a drink? He offered her “living water,” Perhaps Jesus was asking those who were with him at the cross to offer the living water he had given them to others.
Today, there are many people who need to hear about and receive his “living water.” There are also many who need clean water to drink. I have found that it is often those who offer Jesus message that also work to satisfy the physical needs of communities. In Haiti and in Tanzania, I saw Christian groups work with the people to dig wells and provide methods of purification for water. What about justice? What are we willing to do to satisfy the thirst for justice, especially for the poor and the vulnerable? What can we do to bring about a more peaceful world?
Jesus died for us. What can we do today to satisfy his thirst?
Lord Jesus Christ, crucifixion is one of the cruelest forms of death and yet you suffered this for us. May we work to alleviate the suffering of others who thirst for clean water, a safe place to raise their families, education, health care and freedom from fear. Amen.
