# Good Friday: Seeking God, Finding God
*2011-04-17*

> On Good Friday, Bill Young reflects on the profound meaning of Jesus' words from the cross, 'I am thirsty,' and how our own desires shape our lives.

## The Thirst of Christ

Today is Good Friday, and we are praying from a book called 'Seeking God, Finding God.' Our reflection centers on John 19:28: 'After this, when Jesus knew that all was finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), I am thirsty.'

Just as the washing of the disciples' feet encapsulated the entire ministry of Jesus in one action, the phrase 'I am thirsty' captured it in two words. Jesus' entire public life was governed by one desire: the desire that others know His gentle, approachable, and compassionate Father and God.

## A Desire That Led to the Cross

This thirst drove Him to travel the dusty roads of Israel for three years, speaking and acting in bold defiance of religious laws that burdened the people and limited the image of God. This desire was an affront to the religious establishment, who profited from the people's religious fears and servitude. Ultimately, it was this very thirst that led to His death.

## Examining Our Own Thirsts

All of us live lives governed by thirst. What we thirst for determines our major life choices—our careers, our partners, and our families. While our thirsts differ—some seek love, security, wealth, or freedom—we all thirst for something. Those of us who have the luxury of thirsting for more than mere survival have a responsibility because we have more choices.

The poet Mary Oliver once asked, 'Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your wild and precious life?' To answer that, we must pay attention to our desires, for they govern our answers.

## A Practice for Good Friday

Jesus spent His life and death thirsting for the happiness and salvation of others. Today is the day for us to ask ourselves what we thirst for. Consider what thirsts have dictated your life choices thus far. Reflect on the choices that led to the Passion and death of Jesus, and consider the thirsts that led to those choices. Ask yourself: what thirst do you long for so much that you would be willing to give the rest of your wild and precious life to it?

*Crucified Jesus, fill me with your thirst.*