Seven Last Words from the Cross

The seven words spoken by Jesus from the Cross have always been a focus for Passionist Spirituality. In them Jesus speaks from the Cross words of hope, of strength of faith, of forgiveness and of love. Besides being words of power there are words of example of how to follow Christ Crucified.

First Word : "Father, Forgive them for they know not what they do."
Jesus forgives. Forgives who? Everyone including me! May I open my heart to receive that forgiveness. Lord help me to forgive others. Forgive the hurts, the wounds, the lack of love. What peace would be mine if I would allow God's forgiveness to fill me and to forgive others!

Second Word: "This day you shall be with me in paradise."
What a promise! The good thief who stole heaven - the greatest robbery ever done! All
he had to do what look at Jesus and admit his sins - it seems so simple!

Third Word: "Women, behold thy Son …. behold they mother."
Jesus gives his mother to be John's mother, but not only to John but to everyone, including me! Mary is my mother too. As children let us go to her for motherly care.

Fourth Word: "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me."
Jesus felt so alone and forgotten. He had sung into the depths. Yet still he called on God. Lord, I know the feeling. When I am down, alone lost help me to cry out 'My God!' Then I will find strength and power.

Fifth Word: "I thirst"
Will water or wine allay your thirst? No, Lord. Only my love will satisfy your thirst. Lord, I give you my love today, everyday and always.

Sixth Word: "It is accomplished."
Lord you gave your all for love of us. You gave your life that we might gain eternal life. You shed your blood that we may join you one day before your heavenly Father. There we will have the joy of being with you, the Father, all the saints, all our loved ones…. Is it possible to grasp the joy of what awaits us?

Seventh Word: "Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit."
Jesus you achieved everything because you surrendered to your father's will, not just now at the moment of death but all through your life. Give me this grace of surrender then I, too, can become who you want me to be and do what you want me to do.