A Beacon Of Light… Jesus Spoke These Words: “I Thirst”

By FR. RICHARD D. BRETON, Jr.

(Editor’s Note: Fr. Richard D. Breton, Jr., is a priest of the Diocese of Norwich, Conn.)

• + + We have arrived at the “fifth words” Jesus spoke on the cross. Hanging on the cross, He spoke the following words: “I thirst.” This is recorded in the Gospel of St. John, chapter 19, verse 28. Here is the verse from the New International Version of the Bible: “Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty’.”
  When Jesus spoke the words “I thirst” on the cross, He was expressing a physical need for water. Crucifixion was an extremely painful and torturous method of execution that often resulted in severe dehydration due to loss of bodily fluids. The Gospel of St. John notes that Jesus said these words in order to fulfill Scripture, indicating that His thirst was part of the fulfillment of the prophecies about His suffering.
  Thirst is a physiological sensation that is triggered by the body’s need for water. When the body becomes dehydrated or loses fluids through sweating or other means, it sends signals to the brain that result in the sensation of thirst. The experience of thirst can vary depending on the level of dehydration or fluid loss. Mild thirst may be experienced as a dry mouth or throat, while more severe thirst can lead to feelings of fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. When a person drinks water or other fluids, the sensation of thirst typically subsides as the body’s fluid levels are restored. However, excessive thirst or chronic thirst can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances.
  In addition to its physiological aspects, thirst can also have psychological and emotional components. For example, in certain situations, thirst can be associated with feelings of desire, craving, or longing for something more. In religious or spiritual contexts, thirst may be seen as a metaphor for a deeper spiritual longing or yearning for a connection with God or a higher power. The experience of thirst is a complex sensation that is influenced by both physiological and psychological factors.
  As Christians, we can also interpret Jesus’ words as having a deeper, symbolic meaning. For example, we could say that Jesus was thirsting for the salvation of humanity, or for the spiritual fulfillment of His mission on Earth. Others interpret the statement as a demonstration of Jesus’ humanity, and as a way of showing His solidarity with all those who suffer, in particular the suffering of humanity.
  Additionally, some Christians interpret Jesus’ words as a call to quench a deeper thirst within us for spiritual fulfillment and connection with God. This interpretation suggests that the physical thirst experienced by Jesus on the cross serves as a metaphor for a spiritual thirst that we all experience, and that can only be satisfied through a deep connection with God.

Peace, Joy, And Purpose

According to the Church’s teachings, human beings were created by God with a natural desire for a relationship with Him. However, sin entered the world and created a separation between humanity and God. This separation can only be overcome through faith in Jesus Christ and acceptance of His sacrifice on the cross. Sometimes we try to satisfy our spiritual thirst with temporary pleasures and distractions, but these things ultimately leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled. Only a relationship with God can truly satisfy our deepest longings and provide us with the peace, joy, and purpose that we seek.
The idea of man’s thirst for the divine is a universal concept that transcends religion, culture, and time. It refers to the innate human desire for something greater than us, a longing for a deeper sense of meaning, purpose, and connection with the divine. This thirst for the divine is often seen as a fundamental aspect of human nature, and can manifest itself in various ways, such as a desire for spiritual fulfillment, a search for truth and knowledge, or a yearning for a sense of belonging and community.
Many religious traditions recognize and address this thirst for the divine through practices such as prayer, meditation, and worship. These practices are often seen as a way to deepen one’s relationship with the divine and to quench the spiritual thirst that is a fundamental part of being human.
For Catholics, the Sacred Liturgy is the primary place where we encounter the divine. Through the words and actions of the liturgy, we are given a glimpse of the divine. In a sense, the liturgy is our “transfiguration moment.” We are transferred from the earthly to the heavenly realm, if just for a moment, where our hope is strengthened and our desire for the divine is increased.
In addition, some people may also seek to satisfy their thirst for the divine through experiences such as nature, art, music, or even relationships with others. These experiences can evoke a sense of awe, wonder, and connection with something greater than oneself.
Overall, the concept of man’s thirst for the divine acknowledges the universal human desire for a deeper connection with the divine, and reflects the idea that spirituality is a fundamental aspect of human nature.

Living Water

The story of the woman at the well, as recorded in the Gospel of St. John, chapter 4, is a well-known biblical account that illustrates the concept of thirst for the Lord. In this story, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well and engages her in a conversation. The woman is surprised that Jesus, a Jewish man, would speak to her, a Samaritan, and a woman, as there was animosity between Jews and Samaritans at that time. Jesus then tells the woman that He can offer her “living water,” which would quench her thirst forever.
The woman initially misunderstands Jesus, thinking He is offering physical water, but Jesus explains that the water He offers is a spiritual kind of water that leads to eternal life. The woman then realizes that Jesus is a prophet and asks Him questions about worship and the coming of the Messiah. Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah to the woman, and she believes in Him and becomes a witness to her community.
The story of the woman at the well illustrates the idea of thirst for the Lord in several ways. The woman’s physical thirst for water is used as a metaphor for her spiritual thirst for a deeper connection with God. She had been looking for satisfaction in relationships with men but had not found lasting fulfillment. However, when she encounters Jesus, she finds the living water that quenches her spiritual thirst and gives her eternal life.
The story also emphasizes the universality of this thirst for the Lord, as it is not limited by social, cultural, or religious boundaries. Jesus reaches out to the Samaritan woman despite the societal barriers that existed between Jews and Samaritans, showing that all people are invited to come and drink from the living water that He offers.
In reflecting on these words spoken by Christ, whenever we experience a “thirsting” in our lives, we must discern if it is physical or spiritual. The physical thirst is quenched, if but for a moment, soon needing to be quenched again. The spiritual thirst, however, if quenched with the “living water” that Christ gives, can last forever. The “living water” does not need to be replenished because it flows within our souls. We may build up dams of sin within ourselves which hinder the “living waters” to flow, but the water of our salvation is always springing up within.
The time has come for us to break down the dams that hinder the flow of “living water” within, so our thirst may be quenched by the Lord, who, as He faced death, still found the strength to cry out for us all: “I Thirst.”