The Seven Words of Highest Grace from Our Saviour on the Cross (4 of 7)

The fourth: “I thirst” (John 19:28)

I thirst to make you drunk with joy,
so you,  in good spirits, may rejoice eternally.
My blood, so thirsty to prepare your peace,
breaks out like sweat in crimson drops of dew.
It thirsts with the weak and languishing,
yearns to become for them at last
a drink that frees them from the soul's thirst—
a thirst, not for wine, but for the heart's refreshing.

I could strike the rock if I so chose;
I, the Fount of Life, could create  fresh springs,
make a brooklet run into my mouth.
I am left parched so you will be forever filled.
See, all this I willingly endure for you.
Replenish me with your repentant tears.

Click here to read this sonnet in the original German.
Note: the document linked here contains the entire series of 7 sonnets.

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