The Blood and Water

Today's Reflections

 

The Blood and Water

Jn 19:31-37

³¹Since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. ³²So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. ³³But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, ³⁴but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. ³⁵An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may [come to] believe. ³⁶For this happened so that the scripture passage might be fulfilled:/ “Not a bone of it will be broken.”/ ³⁷And again another passage says:/ “They will look upon him whom they have pierced.”

Reflection:
 

Immediately blood and water flowed out. The implication of this statement is suggested by the Preface for the Mass of the Sacred Heart: “From his wounded side flowed blood and water, the fountain of sacramental life in the Church. To his open heart the Savior invites all men and women, to draw water in joy from the springs of salvation.”

Blood, the Jews believe, is the source of life. Blood is life. Jesus pours out his blood/life on the cross that people may have life.

Several allusions to water are made in the gospel of John. Jesus declares to the Samaritan woman that he will give water that wells up to eternal life (cf Jn 4:14). On the feast of the Tabernacles, Jesus quotes Scripture: “Rivers of living water will flow from within him.” John notes that Jesus says this in reference to the Spirit that those who believe in him will receive (cf 7:37-39). The water, therefore, symbolizes the Holy Spirit which Jesus gives on the hour of his passion and glorification on the cross.

The Church refers to the event on the cross as the fountain of sacramental life for God’s people. Grace is poured upon the people on the cross. It is on the cross that the Spirit, “the Lord and giver of life,” is bestowed by Christ for the rest of the world.

How does the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
wounded for the sins of men and women, challenge you today?