THE PIERCED HEART (Jn 19:31-37)
Prayer:
O Jesus, pierce my heart with your love.
Imagination:
Picture Mary and the Beloved Disciple watching the Centurion pierce Jesus’ heart.
Context:
Sometimes, the Romans let the bodies stay on the cross for days. Since the Passover falls on a Saturday (the Sabbath) Pilate accepts the Jews’ request that all the crucified be killed. The death was caused by the brutal breaking of legs. However, Jesus is the Passover Lamb (whose bones were not to be broken). That the blood and water would flow out is medically true. Here, they symbolize Baptism and Eucharist. The Church was born from Christ’s side just as Eve came from Adam’s side.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
Since it was the Preparation Day, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross for the Sabbath, for that Sabbath was a solemn feast day. So, they asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and the bodies taken away. So, the soldiers came and broke the legs of those who were crucified with him. However, when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead. So, they did not break his legs. One of the soldiers thrust a lance into his side and immediately, there came out blood and water.
This testimony has been given by an eyewitness and his testimony is true. He says what he knows is true so that you may believe. these events took place so that Scripture would be fulfilled. “Break none of his bones”. Another scripture passage says, “They shall look on him whom they have pierced.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- The heavenly Father uses every event for his plans.
- The time is short. The Passover is about to begin. The bodies must be removed.
- Jesus is dead, yet he wants to give even more of Himself to us.
- His side is pierced so that we can enter his heart.
- The water and blood symbolize Baptism and Eucharist, Jesus’ first gifts to us.
- The gospel writer (the Beloved Disciple) sees this piercing to record it for us.
- Jesus is the new Passover Lamb. His bones, also, will not be broken.
- They look upon Jesus to receive divine mercy flowing from his side.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O God, You know exactly when everything must happen.
- O Jesus, after dying for me, you give me even more.
- Your heart is open! I will enter quickly.
- Thank you, Jesus, for the sacraments. They are streams of grace.
- O Jesus, let me cherish the gospels, based on what eyewitnesses saw.
- You are my Passover Lamb, the meal of my redemption.
- I look at Your cross and divine mercy flows out.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will seek a true devotion to Jesus’ sacred Heart.
+ I will love the Church, Christ’s Bride, born from his side.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
The soldier thrust a lance. Blood and water flowed from his side.