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In all of their convents, the Missionaries of Charity have a crucifix on the wall with the words of Jesus from today’s gospel inscribed next to it: “I thirst.” They are constantly reminded that their order was founded to satiate this thirst of Christ, which they understand as a thirst for souls. They are reminded that, from the agony of the cross, Jesus’ thirst is for us. Today, Jesus sets his gaze on you. He looks on you with deep desire. With longing like the thirst of a dying man, he asks for your heart. He lays down his life. And through the Eucharist, Jesus seeks communion with you. Our God, crucified, holds nothing back for love of you. God has given and continues to give. The eternal, the infinite, the all-powerful God of the universe humbled, became a man, and allowed himself to be beaten, battered, and torn asunder. He let us kill him. For love of us, he freely chose to die. This mad love comes with an insatiable desire, a longing for the heart of the beloved, for your heart.
All Jesus asks of you, in return for his love, is yourself. And will you refuse?