Welcome to Day 45 of our reflections on the gospel of John.  Thanks so much for joining us!  Find us at www.markandkatiemartinez.com.

A Reflection on John 19: 28-37

“It is finished.” (v 30)

The hour we have been waiting for and witnessed with Jesus has come to an end. The world is hushed as He breathes His last and the beating heart of the Word made flesh slows to a stop. The air is palpable as those around Him immediately feel a lack. The Light of the world has gone out, the Life that was once among them is now gone. He is gone.

“But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.” (v 34)

He pours out every last drop. He has taken the cup, the cup meant for us given to Him by the Father, and with it he has offered a libation of his own blood and water. He pours out every last drop on the heavenly altar before his Father. And with this offering, we are made new. Like a mother who pours out her own blood and water to birth her child, our Lord brings us forth anew in the Spirit, washed and transformed in His own blood and water. And in this moment in time that somehow transcends time, heaven touches earth to receive the sacrificial offering.

It is finished. The offering has been made. The earth is desolate and dark again. Now we must wait.

Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit, renew in me a deep love for Jesus as I look upon His sacrifice for me. May I offer my own heart, too, with His on the altar, that I may die and rise with Him.

Scripture quotations are from The Catholic Edition of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright ©1965, 1966 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved worldwide.