Jesus was thirsting for the people of Jerusalem to "come to" Him (see Mt 11:28). He told them: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem...how often have I yearned to gather your children, as a mother bird gathers her young under her wings, but you refused Me" (Mt 23:37). Jesus thirsted for a people who would accept His saving love, listen to His words, and put them into practice (Mk 4:8-9).
Jesus poured out His life for His beloved people, teaching, healing, and working miracles in their sight. "Despite His many signs performed in their presence, they refused to believe in Him" or gather to Him (Jn 12:37). Therefore, Jesus would instead gather and save all people through His ministry of suffering. He prophesied: "I — once I am lifted up from earth" on the cross "will draw all men to Myself" (Jn 12:32).
Jesus is thirsting to gather all people under His outstretched, crucified arms, now nailed to the wood of the cross (Jn 19:28). Give Jesus a drink (Jn 4:7). Satisfy His yearning and thirsting. Stand in the shadow of His cross — at the feet of the crucified Jesus. Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life. Let Him gather you under His wings (see Mt 23:37). Listen to and obey His every word.
| PRAYER: | Jesus, Lamb of God, may Your "blood be on us and on our children" (Mt 27:25). Wash us clean of sin through the blood of Your cross. |
| PROMISE: | "Through His suffering, My Servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear." –Is 53:11 |
| PRAISE: | (none) |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College