TUESDAY.
Fifth Word, " I thirst. "
I. " Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, I thirst." Christ experienced a twofold thirst, corporal and spiritual. His corporal thirst was inflamed by His last night's restless watching, His interior afflictions, and the loss of so much blood. Our Lord chose to undergo this torment for our instruction. He who "brought, forth water out of the rock" (Ps. lxxvii. 16), who satisfied the thirsty Israelites in the desert, and who supernaturally quenched the thirst of Samson, refused this indulgence to Himself. Learn hence to suffer inconveniences for His sake.
II. " And they putting a sponge full of vinegar about hyssop, offered it to His mouth," not to quench but to increase His thirst. What a draught was this for the Son of God, "who giveth food to all flesh" (Ps. cxxxv. 25),. "who openeth His hand, and filleth every creature with blessings everlasting." (Ps. cxliv. 16.) How different is this from the beverage which He bestows on us in the holy Eucharist! Be ashamed at your own delicacy in the articles of eating and drinking; and reflecting on the thirst of your Saviour on the cross, never complain or express dissatisfaction at any inconvenience to which you may be subjected.
III. The spiritual thirst of Christ principally regarded three objects. 1. He ardently desired to obey His heavenly Father in perfection, and to accomplish all the prophecies which had been uttered respecting Himself. 2. He thirsted for more sufferings, hence He openly proclaimed His corporal thirst, in order that His pains might
