The Seven Last Words: A Lenten Reflection

The Seven Last Words: A Lenten Reflection
 
As we journey through Lent, we asked our three seminarians to reflect on the Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross to provide some spiritual insights as we head toward Holy Week. We’ll publish them over the next three weekends.
 
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
A reflection by Seminarian Jonathan Puckett
 
Describing the horrors of crucifixion, the Roman philosopher Seneca writes thus in his 101^st epistle to Lucilius: “Can any man be found willing to be fastened to the accursed tree, long sickly, already deformed, swelling with ugly tumors on chest and shoulders, and draw the breath of life amid long-drawn-out agony? I think he would have many excuses for dying even before mounting the cross!” And yet, Jesus not only mounts the Wood of the Cross—His last pulpit on earth and His throne—but in doing so He prays that His enemies will receive forgiveness. “They know not what they do.” Their ignorance pardons them.
 
Jesus’s Passion was made on behalf of us all, and as we begin our Lent, as we begin our Way of the Cross, perhaps in prayer we can go to Golgotha to be with Jesus. Let us stand with the Blessed Virgin Mary, weep with sweet Magdalene, and love like St. John. Recognizing that Jesus suffered for our own sins—even those of which we are ignorant—let us kiss the wounded feet and prepare ourselves to meet Jesus’ merciful gaze from the Cross. He is pierced there for love of us, and in turn His countenance pierces and purifies all our infirmities. Do not be afraid this Lent to go to the Cross and to receive God’s Mercy. For even in His Suffering and Death, Jesus is victorious: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

“Today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
A reflection by Seminarian Luke Olson
 
When Jesus was crucified two criminals were crucified with Him; one on his right, and one on his left. The criminal on Jesus’ left berated him, while the other defended him and pleaded, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.” As we continue our Lenten journey, these two criminals leave us an image of the two differing ways we can respond to suffering and pain. Suffering apart from Christ is worth nothing and will only leave us more bitter. We ask ourselves such things as, “how could God allow such evil to exist?” Yet, united to Jesus Christ on the cross, our sufferings can be purifying and redemptive.
 
We too, through sin, are criminals and are crucified with Christ. As we pick up our crosses this Lent, let our suffering and asceticism be for spiritual benefit. If we see our Lenten practices as mere burdens to bear, we risk only becoming cynical and missing these practices’ beautiful purposes. Instead, may we share in Christ’s cross, so that in sharing in it we may hope to share in his resurrection and on our deathbed can hear those consoling words of Jesus to the repentant thief, “I promise this day thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.” – Luke 23:43