“God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ…” – Ephesians 2:4-5
In one of the most interesting scenes in all of Scripture, the prophet Ezekiel envisions himself standing in the center of a broad valley that is filled with dry bones (Ez. 37). The LORD then commands Ezekiel to speak, so that the bones may be brought to life. Upon doing so, a thunderous rattling ensues, and Ezekiel watches in amazement as the bones come back together and are covered by muscle and skin. After commanding the wind to breathe new life into the bodies, he beholds in front of him a vast army from the house of Israel.
This prophecy gave hope to the Israelite people, in exile at the time, that some day they would return to the Promised Land. Christians have also found hope in this passage, because it foreshadows the resurrection of the dead, made possible by Christ. It’s a good reminder of the depth and power of God’s love.
In many ways, we are like those dry bones in the book of Ezekiel. Our broken bodies and stained souls long for God’s mercy, just as the parched earth yearns for rain. The good news is that the springs of God’s love and mercy never run dry. Even the thirstiest among us can be satisfied.
Moreover, like us, Jesus knows what it means to be parched. As He hung upon the Cross, He even said, “I thirst.” (Jn. 19:28) For Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, this passage was at the heart of her personal vocation and mission. She understood that Jesus thirsted for more than just water. Rejected and nailed to the Cross, He longed to be loved, and even more then that, He longed to save you and me.
Toward the end of her life, Mother Teresa wrote a letter to her fellow sisters to explain this sentiment. She said ,“Until you know deep inside that Jesus thirsts for you – you can't begin to know who He wants to be for you. Or who He wants you to be for Him.”
Moved by the love she had encountered in Christ, Blessed Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity to help quench the thirst of Jesus that she saw in the poor people of Calcutta and around the globe.
Will you let God’s love move you too?
Throughout the world, in places like Uganda, children do not have access to clean drinking water. CARITAS For Children has started a campaign to bring 100 water filters to children and families who need them. Truly, this is where Jesus thirsts. During Lent many people associated with CARITAS have been doing a “water fast” by drinking only water and donating the money that otherwise would have been spent on things like soda or coffee to the Water Filter Campaign. Will you join us? Click here to help quench the thirst of 100 Ugandan families and satisfy the thirst of Christ.
Lord Jesus, let us never forget how much you love us. You thirst for us, and we are overwhelmed by your love and mercy. Give us hearts like Yours, that we too may be loving and merciful toward those in need. Amen.
