John 19:31-37 :: Solemnity: The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
The scene of the cross post the brutal death of our Lord comes alive as we read this passage. The fulfilment of scripture that none of his bones will be broken, is the acknowledgment that the crucified Jesus is the Passover Lamb . Like the Israelites who were saved from slavery through the blood of the Paschal Lamb, humanity is now redeemed through the death of Jesus – the Lamb of God.
The flowing of blood and water also signifies that he is truly dead in solidarity with all mortals and symbolizes the gift of life and Spirit through his death on the cross. Blood is the seat and symbol of life and flowing water is the sign and symbol of the Holy Spirit. Jesus has laid down his life for us by shedding his blood and pours out the water of the life-giving holy spirit.
At our Baptism we are blessed with water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, let us be willing to immerse ourselves in this life-giving Spirit and let the Spirit flow on to others whom we interact with.
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You!
