Introduction
As a Catholic scholar, I find myself continually fascinated by the teachings of Jesus Christ. His words have been inspiring millions for centuries, but perhaps none are more impactful than His last seven words (often referred to as the “Seven Last Words”) uttered on the cross. These statements are not merely the dying remarks of a man; they are the culmination of the teachings of the Son of God. These words are packed with theological richness and offer a gateway into understanding the essence of the Christian faith.
The Importance of the Last Words
Before delving into each of these powerful words or phrases, it’s crucial to understand why they’re so significant. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) says, “Jesus knew and loved us each and all during his life, his agony and his Passion, and gave himself up for each one of us” (CCC 478). The last words of Jesus are the epitome of this self-giving love. They reveal His intimate relationship with God the Father, His unbounded love for humanity, and the inauguration of a new covenant.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
This is the first statement Jesus makes from the cross (Luke 23:34). Here, Jesus is embodying the principle of forgiveness—a cornerstone of Christian ethics. He’s not merely advising us to forgive; He’s actively forgiving those who are killing Him. This level of forgiveness reflects what He taught in the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Matthew 6:12).
“Today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Spoken to the criminal crucified next to Him (Luke 23:43), these words promise immediate sanctification and salvation. It’s a direct demonstration of Jesus’s authority to admit souls into Heaven, aligning with the Church’s teaching that “Jesus Christ is the judge of the living and the dead” (CCC 679). These words also reiterate the universality of God’s mercy, accessible even in the last moments of life.
“Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother.”
In entrusting His mother, Mary, to the disciple John (John 19:26-27), Jesus establishes the spiritual motherhood of Mary for all Christians. The CCC notes that Mary’s role is to bring forth the faithful into the family of God: “She is ‘clearly the mother of the members of Christ'” (CCC 963).
“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”
Taken from Psalm 22:1, these words (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34) represent Jesus’s profound sense of abandonment. They are often subject to various theological interpretations but essentially capture the human experience of suffering and feelings of isolation. It aligns with the Church’s view of Jesus being fully human and fully divine.
“I thirst.”
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This simple expression (John 19:28) is heavy with meaning. While it can be seen as a physical need for water, it is often interpreted as Jesus’s thirst for souls. It echoes the teachings of the Church, emphasizing how Jesus desires the salvation of all (CCC 851).
“It is finished.”
With these words (John 19:30), Jesus signifies the completion of His earthly mission and the fulfillment of Scripture. They convey that Jesus’s sacrifice is a complete, one-time act that needs no repetition. According to the CCC, Jesus’s redemptive death is unique, achieving eternal salvation for all (CCC 616).
“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”
The final words (Luke 23:46) are a surrender to God, underlining the idea of divine providence and trust in God. It’s a mirror of the first prayer many Jewish children learn, indicating Jesus’s roots in Jewish tradition while also encapsulating the essence of Christian faith.
Conclusion
Each of these seven last words of Jesus Christ is a capsule of theological wisdom, revealing different facets of His divinity, humanity, and the new covenant between God and man initiated by His sacrifice. They encapsulate universal teachings of the Church, guiding us on how to live, love, and aspire for the eternal. As St. Augustine said, “The death of the Lord Jesus Christ is the best expression of divine love.”
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Note: While content aims to align with Catholic teachings, any inconsistencies or errors are unintended. For precise understanding, always refer to authoritative sources like the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Always double-check any quotes for word-for-word accuracy with the Bible or the Catechism of the Catholic Church.