Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter
Reading today’s Gospel passage reminds us of other words of Jesus and of prophets of old. In short, Jesus is saying that He is the one who satisfies all their longings.
“That everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.”
“Whoever comes to me will never hunger, whoever believes will never thirst,
everyone who sees and believes – will have eternal and be raised up.”
“When I am lifted up, I will draw everyone to myself.”
Or from Isaiah, as if from the mouth of Jesus himself: “All you who are thirsty, come to the water, come receive grain and eat. Why spend your money for what fails to satisfy? Heed me and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare. Come to me, that you may have life. I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly.”
The Resurrection is the ultimate statement of the truth that Jesus is the one who fills all our needs and who satisfies the hunger of our souls.
All of these are images of coming to the Lord and turning to Jesus – of being filled, healed, lifted up, united by the Lord – the one sent by the Father.
That is the point of the Easter mystery. The Lord lifts us up. He brings new life.
He transforms us. This goes well beyond any change that motivational speakers inspire. This is on a totally different level. Far more pervasive, it is a renewal of the heart – if, of course, we are open to the Spirit.
Let us truly turn to the Jesus who fills us and transforms us and pray that we always seek the true nourishment that comes from heaven.
Reflection by Fr. Peter Ullrich, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections