There is so much to think about and reflect on during Holy Week that it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. One meditation I have found helpful in drawing me deeper into contemplating the Passion is the tradition of studying the 7 Last Words of Christ. More than words, these are the last phrases that Christ spoke as He was dying on the Cross.
I was introduced to the power of Jesus’ final messages to us a few years ago during Holy Week, when I listened to a teaching by Dr. Scott Hahn titled “Seven Last Sayings of Christ.” However, this is in no way a new tradition to the faith. Saints such as St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Robert Bellarmine, and many others have taken the time to reflect on the deep meaning and power of the words Christ left us on Good Friday. If you are looking for a meaningful way to understand more of the story of the Passion, I suggest this as a starting place for your prayer time throughout this week.
The 7 Last Sayings of Christ
1. Luke 23:34
2. Luke 23:43
3. John 19:26-27
4. Matthew 27: 46
5. John 19: 28
6. John 19:30
7. Luke 23:46
