Issued by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media - Jordan. Editor-in-chief Fr. Rif'at Bader - موقع أبونا abouna.org

Published on Tuesday, 25 June 2024
The Film ‘Jesus Thirsts’ is like no other film
With the Film ‘Jesus Thirsts’ landing in numerous theatres in the United States, it is important to ask the Lord to land permanently in our hearts every time we receive the Holy Communion.

By Munir Bayouk/ en.abouna.org :

People watch films in general for entertainment, yet there are films that leave indelible and everlasting impressions upon viewers. Such films touch deeply on people's feelings towards various impressive aspects of life.

 

One of the most ever-renowned films is "‘Jesus Thirsts’ whereby"“viewers, often with tears in their eyes, have rediscovered a beauty in their faith that they had perhaps only glimpsed before. Many fallen-away Catholics and those outside the Church have shared how the film illuminated for them the very heart of Catholicism.”

 

This film highlights the Biblical origin of the Eucharist. But it also takes viewers on a journey around the modern world—from the United states to Europe and the villages of Africa to show Eucharistic miracles and the power the Holy Mass holds for people of all walks of life.

 

The documentary takes viewers on a journey to rediscover the transformative power of the Eucharist by exploring the Biblical origins of the Eucharist, and sharing personal stories from those whose lives have been impacted by the Blessed Sacrament.

 

 “Jesus Thirsts” was earlier landed in theaters across the United States only on June 4, 5 and 6, 2024 yet with packed theatres  there was an extended release to June 18-26 since the  film serves as a clarion call to all Catholics that "the time for being ashamed of our faith has ended. Now is the moment to rediscover the boundless love of God, who meets us in the humble guise of bread and wine, and to share this love with a world in desperate need.”

 

The highlight of the film, which serves as an encounter with Lord Jesus, is that it reignites the belief in the true presence of Lord Jesus in the Eucharist at a time when it serves as a profound cinematic journey that delves into the essence of belief, namely the Eucharistic mystery. The film explores how we, as humans, have an unquenchable thirst for the divine.

 

Jesus Thirsts illuminates the sacred connection between the material and the divine, inviting viewers to contemplate the reality veiled within the simple elements of bread and wine. Lord Jesus Christ uses the most ordinary foods of his time to reveal Himself to His children.  

 

This film parallels Christ’s earthly journey with the contemporary human experience. On the road to Emmaus, the Holy Land, the disciples could not see that Jesus was walking with them until he broke the bread and wine, and then “the veil over their eyes was lifted.” We, nowadays, though we cannot see Him, He stays with us, and we become more like Him when we receive Him.

 

Through the shared act of breaking bread and sharing wine, the disciples on the road to Emmaus are drawn into a deeper relationship with one another and with the divine. It is a poignant reminder that, in the Eucharist, we are invited into communion with Lord Jesus Christ and the entire body of believers.

 

This film challenges us to open our hearts and minds to the possibility of encountering Lord Jesus Christ in unexpected places and invites us to embark on a journey of faith that leads us ever closer to the heart of the Lord. In our daily life, it is hoped that our eyes be opened to the presence of Lord Jesus Christ in the breaking of the bread.

 

The Eucharistic Adoration is an extension of the Holy Mass when Heaven comes down to touch the Earth. It is our earthly celebration of a Heavenly battle already won for us.

 

With the film landing in numerous theatres in the United States, it is important to ask the Lord to land permanently in our hearts every time we receive the Holy Communion.

 

Blessed are those who take the Holy Communion on regular bases while seeking the permanent company with the Lord, the Word of God, as referred to in the Holy Bible, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)