"I thirst." This is what Jesus said on the Cross.
Like all of Jesus' words I believe that they are full of meaning and thus, can be interpreted in many ways, and without contradiction. Here are my two favorite interpretations:
• If you are a fan of Dr. Scott Hahn, you will understand them both literally and figuratively in light of the Passover and the "fourth cup". Dr. Hahn's in-depth theological study of Christ's words on the Cross (which ultimately led to his conversion) is a beautiful Scriptural explanation of an apostolic dogma, that is, the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
He talks about how the Jesus' words "I thirst" (with the drink of vinegar on a hyssop branch) is the same participation of the fourth cup in the new Passover meal.
Dr. Hahn will tell you that in receiving the Eucharist, we are receiving not bread, but a Person. The Church teaches that we receive Jesus's Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in even the smallest particle of the consecrated Host. Jesus is fully present as He promised.
To receive Jesus physically in the Eucharist, is to become one with Him. To prostrate oneself before Him during adoration is to come before Him as Mary Magdalene did. In His presence we become secure and at peace. In Him, we know that we will be saved from all the things that want to stone us. But to trust Him, we have to know Him.
• If you understand the words "I thirst" as Fr. John Riccardo does, you will understand better Jesus' deep and personal love for you. Fr. Riccardo talks about how Jesus thirsts for us individually. He interprets Jesus' words to mean, "I thirst for YOU." This interpretation begs the question, "what is my relationship like with Jesus? He thirsts for me. Do I thirst for Him?"
Fr. Riccardo challenges his listeners to examine that prayer is not words, but a relationship. And thus, the Eucharist is the most intimate prayer.
Fr. Riccardo tell us how to be transformed so that we can begin to recognize Him in our lives.
Like all of Jesus' words I believe that they are full of meaning and thus, can be interpreted in many ways, and without contradiction. Here are my two favorite interpretations:
• If you are a fan of Dr. Scott Hahn, you will understand them both literally and figuratively in light of the Passover and the "fourth cup". Dr. Hahn's in-depth theological study of Christ's words on the Cross (which ultimately led to his conversion) is a beautiful Scriptural explanation of an apostolic dogma, that is, the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
He talks about how the Jesus' words "I thirst" (with the drink of vinegar on a hyssop branch) is the same participation of the fourth cup in the new Passover meal.
Dr. Hahn will tell you that in receiving the Eucharist, we are receiving not bread, but a Person. The Church teaches that we receive Jesus's Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in even the smallest particle of the consecrated Host. Jesus is fully present as He promised.
To receive Jesus physically in the Eucharist, is to become one with Him. To prostrate oneself before Him during adoration is to come before Him as Mary Magdalene did. In His presence we become secure and at peace. In Him, we know that we will be saved from all the things that want to stone us. But to trust Him, we have to know Him.
• If you understand the words "I thirst" as Fr. John Riccardo does, you will understand better Jesus' deep and personal love for you. Fr. Riccardo talks about how Jesus thirsts for us individually. He interprets Jesus' words to mean, "I thirst for YOU." This interpretation begs the question, "what is my relationship like with Jesus? He thirsts for me. Do I thirst for Him?"
Fr. Riccardo challenges his listeners to examine that prayer is not words, but a relationship. And thus, the Eucharist is the most intimate prayer.
Fr. Riccardo tell us how to be transformed so that we can begin to recognize Him in our lives.
Thu, 4 October 2012
This year the Church celebrates the Year of Faith, giving us the opportunity to answer the question Jesus asks each of us, “Who do you say that I am?” Fr. Riccardo begins a three-part Series on Prayer with this talk from October 3rd. The handouts from this session are available here.
Thu, 11 October 2012
This year the Church celebrates the Year of Faith, giving us the opportunity to answer the question Jesus asks each of us, “Who do you say that I am?” Fr. Riccardo continues the three-part Series on Prayer with this talk from October 10th. A list of Fr. John's questions for reflection from this presentation may be downloaded here.
Thu, 25 October 2012
This year the Church celebrates the Year of Faith, giving us the opportunity to answer the question Jesus asks each of us, “Who do you say that I am?” Fr. Riccardo continues the three-part Series on Prayer with this talk from October 24th. The handouts from this session are available here.
Direct download: YOFPrayer3.m4a
Category:Year of Faith -- posted at: 1:45 AM
For more from Fr. John Riccardo, go here: http://frjohnriccardo.libsyn.com
Category:Year of Faith -- posted at: 1:45 AM
For more from Fr. John Riccardo, go here: http://frjohnriccardo.libsyn.com
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