The Second Word: This Day You Will Be with Me in Paradise 5

Meditation on the 7 Last Words, by Fr Jason Smith

We have been accompanying Christ during his passion. As if the cruelty of his torments was not enough, now, suddenly, a new type of scourging begins: More…

Father, Forgive Them! 14

Meditation on the 7 Last Words, by Fr Jason Smith

Father! Forgive Them!

Slowly, with supreme effort, using the nails in his feet as a fulcrum, he lifts himself up.

Why does he make such a painful effort? More…

The 7 Last Words, A Meditation on Christ’s Passion for Holy Week 7

Behold the Man!

By Fr Jason Smith

During Holy Week, I will be posting a daily reflection on the 7 Last Words of Christ. Today’s reflection is a prelude to the passion. The scene is Jerusalem. Jesus is being led to his crucifixion. More…

The seventh word: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit!” 1

“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” With a last sigh your head drops slowly towards us, with your chin just above the breast-bone. We can now look up at your face; finally it is relaxed and calm, illuminated with the gentle majesty of God. More…

The sixth word: “It is finished.” 2

Soon it will be three o’clock. Jesus is still holding on, but barely. More…

The fifth word: “I thirst.” Reply

Jesus is in a state bordering on total collapse. His body aches in excruciating pain; each time he pulls himself up to breath, More…

The fourth word: “Why have you forsaken me?” Reply

An hour passes. The sun is now covered by clouds, and it suddenly has become very cold. Jesus is undergoing immense suffering. More…

The third word: “Behold thy son; behold thy mother.” Reply

The curses and insults have begun to dwindle. The large crowd is no longer interested in watching Jesus die. The show is over. More…

The second word: “This day you will be with me in paradise.” Reply

We have been accompanying Christ during his passion. As if the cruelty of that was not enough, now, suddenly, a new type of scourging begins: More…

The first word: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” 2

Father! Forgive Them!

Slowly, with supreme effort, using the nails in his feet as a fulcrum, he lifts himself up.

Why does he make such a painful effort? More…