The seven last words of Jesus as he hung on the cross reveal the depths of His love and mercy for humanity. It is there where we can take a glimpse into his most compassionate and merciful heart.
What did He say when He was nailed to that cross and suffering from excruciating pain? When almost everyone deserted Him, what did He think about? What was it that He wanted us to remember?
This Lent, let us take a closer look at the seven last words of Jesus as we reflect upon His powerful work of salvation.
1. “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Instead of judgment or words of condemnation for those who crucified Him, Jesus offered words of forgiveness.
He prayed to the Father, expressing His boundless mercy for those who did not know the weight of their sins.
Let this Lent give us greater confidence in the love and mercy of God. Even if we think we have committed a very grave sin, let us not lose hope in Jesus Christ.
Come to Him who offers you forgiveness. There upon the cross, your Lord awaits your humble and contrite heart.
2. “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
Jesus was already suffering from so much pain. He was being mocked by those around Him. Still, He found a way to encourage someone who needed His compassion.
Such is the love of Jesus Christ for us. Even in the midst of His pain, He still remembers us.
Is there something you want to lift up to God? Offer it in prayer and trust the Lord who hears your every need.
Are you feeling unworthy of His love because of your sins? Confess your sins to God and like the repentant thief, believe that it is never too late for you. Today, you can still be God’s friend and be with Him in paradise.
3. “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” (John 19:26-27)
The Blessed Virgin Mary was there when almost everyone abandoned Him. She stayed with Jesus even though it was so painful to see her son suffering so much.
On the cross, Jesus also gave us His very own Mother. In times of difficulty and abandonment, let us remember that we also have her. Let us thank Jesus for this great blessing in life.
4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)
Have we not all experienced such a dark and difficult moment when we also cried out to God? Have we not felt as though God has abandoned us?
Times like that, we may have a lot of questions at the back of our minds. Why did God allow us to suffer so much?
Jesus reminds us that even when we feel like that, we are not alone. He felt the deepest sorrow and pain upon the cross for our sake. He can understand our cries.
5. “I thirst.” (John 19:28)
Mother Teresa said that Jesus was not just thirsting for physical drink. Jesus instead thirsts for our love. He loves us so much that He wants us to draw close to Him.
We are not the only ones longing to be loved. Jesus also wants us to love Him. He knows that only by loving Him can we find the missing parts of our lives. It is only there that we can realize our true destiny.
This Lent, reflect upon the deep thirst of Jesus Christ for your love.
6. “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
Jesus Christ finished the work of salvation for our sake. He went through so much suffering and pain. He even allowed Himself to die so that He can give us eternal life.
When we encounter various trials that never seem to end, let us pray and entrust everything to Jesus. Let us not give up. Instead, let us persevere in faith, believing that God will grant us the grace to carry on and accomplish His will.
7. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46)
What is it that burdens us? What causes us to be anxious and filled with fear? Is there something that weighs us down and destroys the peace in our hearts?
We can surrender all these things to God. Let us offer Him our painful past. Let us entrust to Him our future. And let us cling to Him in every present moment.
Surrender it all to God and let it go. Let God make all things beautiful in His time.
Looking Towards the Cross
This Lent, may we reflect upon the seven last words of Jesus Christ upon the cross. It is filled with wisdom, love and truth. It can encourage us in our most painful trials and give us hope where we see no hope.
Let us look to the cross where Jesus is. He cares for you. He thirsts for your love. You need never be alone.
*Bible verses taken from NABRE
You may also want to read “Have You Ever Imagined the View From the Cross?”
Jocelyn Soriano is the author of the book Defending My Catholic Faith.
“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” – 1 Peter 3:15 (NABRE)
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