It is an ancient tradition in the church to spend some time during Holy Week to reflect on the seven last words spoken by Jesus on the cross. These “Seven Last Words of Jesus” are not actually words – they are really phrases. And one might point out that they are not even the last words that Jesus speaks. After he is raised from the dead, he speaks to his disciples. And after his ascension, he speaks to Paul, and then through the Holy Spirit he continues to speak to all Christians. But, still, these are the last words that Jesus speaks from the cross, and consequently they hold a unique place in the church’s life.
Last year, I shared a series of reflections on each of these phrases, which are linked below. If you would like to read any of these reflections, simply click on the phrase. If you haven’t the time, you might just read these phrases prayerfully, and carry one of them with you this day. Each of them has the power to draw us back to the cross and to the love shown there.
As you ponder these last words of Jesus, I pray that they might draw you ever closer to One who first spoke them, who died that we might live and always know His love.
Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.
Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.
Woman, here is your son … Here is your mother.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
My Pastoral Ponderings 
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