I thirst – Eucharistic Adoration

Oct 20, 2017

By Angeline Lesslar
These two words uttered by Jesus while hanging on the cross were heard by His Blessed Mother and St John. Was Jesus thirsty from the long walk up Calvary or dehydrated and needed a drink? What actually did Jesus mean?

Jesus’ thirst was beyond His physical needs. His brokenness and pierced side ached more from the lack of love from us. He wants our love and the chance for Him to love us. He is not bound by time. Whenever we come close to Him we become partners with Our Lady and St John in hearing the words “I thirst” echo in our ears.

Jesus entrusted His mother to bring the whole world to Him and as our spiritual mother to mould us into “Other Christs” worthy of His heavenly kingdom.

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh” (John 6:51).

Today, through the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Eucharistic Adoration, we can also transport ourselves to be at the foot of the cross with Mary and John. We can just sit and be still and do what the apostles failed to do in Gethsemane. Our Lord only asked for an hour of companionship when at His most vulnerable. Yet, this they could not do!

Just commit one hour, sit in front of the Blessed Sacrament, and be present to Jesus. Surrender to Him your brokenness, physical, spiritual and mental. Tell Him how much you love Him. Ask what He wants of you and how you can serve Him best. We can ask for things dearest to our hearts for ourselves and others.

Speak to Jesus as a friend as Jesus understands each and every one of us. In the quiet and solitude, in deep communion with Jesus, anything can happen.

Many people who attend Eucharistic adoration report miracles and healings, for themselves and their loved ones. Marriage and family bonds are strengthened, there is personal peace and spiritual growth. Merits from Adoration extend to the Parish as well. Lapsed Catholics return to Church, increase in vocations to the priesthood, new converts and a greater unity among parishioners.

When St Faustina prayed during Eucharistic Adoration, she saw a vision. Each time a person entered the Church to join in the Adoration, she saw Jesus’ divine rays of love and mercy bursting forth and encircling the whole world and everyone in it with graces and blessings. Through Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, Jesus unleashes His rays of healing upon us, our families and the whole world!

“The sovereigns of the earth do not always grant audience readily. On the contrary, the king of heaven, hidden under the Eucharistic veil, is ready to receive anyone, anytime.” (St Ignatius of Loyola)

So, take advantage by visiting the King of Kings as often as possible and receive Jesus spiritually as well with this prayer: “My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire you in my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come, at least, spiritually into my heart. I embrace you and unite myself wholly to you. Amen.”

Today, is when we need God’s divine mercy, love and guidance most. In advanced countries, 80 percent of Catholics do not practice their faith. The culture of death has a firm grip on the world. Materialism has overtaken spirituality. Our children are growing up in a world that has no room for Jesus. Many are unaware of the dangers when evil is disguised. Today, mankind is faced with so many social and economic problems.

The scenario is very dark indeed. Yet, there is hope. Light at the end of the tunnel. God’s mercy and love for humankind. Eucharistic love. If everyone comes to Jesus in the Eucharist, the world will be healed. The Eucharist is the heart of the Church. Where Eucharistic life flourishes, there the life of the Church will blossom.

“Perpetual Adoration of the most Blessed Sacrament is the devotion that surpasses all others. Devotion to the Eucharist is the most noble as it has God as its object.” (St Pope Pius X)