When Jesus knew that He had completed the work of redemption and that “all things were now accomplished”, he said “I thirst” and was given vinegar to drink. (Jn 19.28-29) The drink of vinegar was yet another completion of the prophecies of the suffering servant, but the thirst of Our Lord was also, and primarily, for our salvation. He desired that nobody should be lost and that everyone should have eternal life.

Our Lord taught us to thirst for the water of His life in us, a water that would take away all thirst, and would become a spring welling up to eternal life. (Jn 4.14) Speaking of the Eucharist, He said “he who believes in me will never thirst.” (Jn 6.35) He invited those who thirst to come to Him and drink, promising that out of the hearts of those who believe in Him, would flow rivers of living water. (Jn 7.37-38)

Reflecting on Our Lord’s thirst for our salvation should challenge our complacency. Rather than treating our faith as an optional extra or a hobby, we must understand that salvation, life in Christ, real and living faith, is something to thirst after eagerly so that we can have the life more abundant that he promised.