“If anyone is thirsty,
let him come to me and drink”
(John 7:37)
Reflection:
This invitation occurs at different times in Scripture.
- “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost” (Isaiah 55:1)
- “On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37)
- “Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17)
When Jesus met the woman at the well in Samaria He recognised in her a great and unquenched thirst – something that all her different relationships had not been able to satisfy. He did not then add His judgement to her own and that of her society – He offered instead a lasting solution in the living water of new life in the Spirit.
- “Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14)
Each one of us has carried within us a deep thirst for something – something that will give meaning, significance, purpose and beauty to our lives. And we are surrounded by people who have within them this thirst – which is really a thirst for love – that has never been satisfied.
People try to quench it in many different ways as they seek to give expression and meaning to this great craving. They can strive for power, wealth and status but it is not enough. They crave satisfaction for their lusts but nothing lasts. Others withdraw into an inner darkness and weep out the pain of their terrible loneliness and failure from which they cannot seem to escape. Some flee the pain for short periods in substance abuse which makes them feel even worse. Others exist from day to day.
Everywhere there are people consciously and unconsciously seeking a solution and a satisfaction. And no matter what level of society they inhabit there is nothing that lasts – it all turns to ashes.
Yet still this voice echoes down through the ages, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.” There is one and only one true and lasting solution capable of meeting every one of our deep longings and needs – and it is found in the saving love and grace of God expressed in the life, death and resurrection of His Son and in the intimate and free gift of the Holy Spirit.
“Come to Me” – not once but in every moment of our lives, in every situation, with every need and longing. “Come to Me” – not for what He can do but for who He is. “Come to Me” – not to visit but to stay. “Come to Me” – not to beg but to ask. “Come to Me” – not to hope but to trust. “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
He is not a truth but a Person. He is not a concept but a reality. He is a beginning, and the end and every part of the journey. He is always and everywhere and everything. He is Love and Strength, Healing and Truth. And He is the most beautiful Life that it is possible to know.
Response:
The journey starts (again) now – reach out to Him.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus – I need You and I want You so much. Please pour Your Spirit into me and never stop. Please pour Your Love through Him without ceasing. Please help me to receive and to go on receiving forever. Amen.
———————
The Soaring Eagle 