“I so ardently thirst to be loved by men in the Most Blessed Sacrament that this thirst devours Me, and I find no one who strives to quench it in order to respond in some way to My love.” (Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque)
Who could resist these words of the Lord, the Son who rests in the bosom of the Father (cf. Jn 1:18)? They are words that spring from the depths of His Heart—so loving and so often wounded. It is an invitation for men to respond with love to His love, that love which went so far as to give His life for us.
But it is not only an invitation—it is an ardent thirst. It is the cry the Lord uttered on the cross: “I thirst” (Jn 19:28), and it is addressed to each one of us. Jesus’ love demands a response. Our Heavenly Father calls us through His Son; the Holy Spirit draws us with His love.
Will anyone respond? Are not the churches empty, and is there hardly anyone seeking the presence of the Blessed Sacrament?
Perhaps we do not hear Your voice, Lord, because we are surrounded by so many other voices. Perhaps we find it difficult to imagine that You are waiting for us and that You even thirst ardently for our closeness. Have we become too insensitive to perceive the delicate voice of divine love? Perhaps we are simply too cold and lazy. You know, Lord!
Perhaps we can try again. When our souls pause before You, we feel comforted and at peace. At first, we will probably think more about ourselves because our soul also seeks recollection. But, over time, we will perceive Your thirst more and more, and our prayer will become much more valuable because it will simply be a response to Your love. We will learn to give it even when we feel dry and prayer does not uplift us. We simply remain there because You are there, because You are You, and we love You. In this way, we can give something back to You, even if it is minimal.
And then, beloved Lord, You will find at least some who do so. Certainly, they are few—too few. May there be more!