February 5, 2022

“I thirst” (Jn 19:30).  With these words, Jesus reminds us that our fundamental human vocation in life is to need.  Indeed, while we may flirt with neediness and other forms of emotional immaturity, to really and truly need puts us in right relationship with God who created us for connection, ourselves because dependence is our natural existential state, and others who meet us with love in our vulnerability.  Even the natural world – like the wine-soaked sponge raised to Jesus’ lips – cooperates!  Thus, the next time we ourselves get thirsty, let’s pause and reflect before we reach for that bottle:  Where does my thirst come from?  What does it mean for me to be thirsty? What will my thirst be like in the next life?  Am I aware that others thirst too? We can then offer a simple prayer of gratitude: Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to participate in this vast and glorious system of interdependence. By being created with and for others, you have offered me a taste of your own life. I thirst with you from that eternal cross that stands at the end of time, and I need you. Amen. Ave Crux, Spes Unica!