Blood and Water – Reflection on John 19:31-37
Visualize Jesus standing before you, telling you of His thirst for your love. Imagine without sadness the wonder of His pierced body flowing spiritual blood and water as grace into the jar at the wedding feast to make the finest wine for you. Your heart can see the transformed holy wine mingling into a spring of life that you can consume anytime. Then, allow yourself to perceive that His Grace satisfies your spiritual thirst because it is available in a never-ending cup from which you can drink. How can we not be drawn to this unconditional love? Our response can echo Saint Faustina: Jesus, I trust you.
The Strike of the Lance by James Tissot (full resolution image of painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
John 19:31-37 – Scripture*
Jesus’ Side Is Pierced
31 Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. 35 (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) 36 These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, “None of his bones shall be broken.” 37 And again another passage of scripture says, “They will look on the one whom they have pierced.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 19:31-37 – Blood and Water
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate various forms of expression in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 19 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Blood and Water
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.