Siete Palabras: Reflected through Snapshots

The First Word:

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." 

(Luke 23:34)

As we pray and repent for our sins this holy sacrifice of Jesus, let us not forget to include those we know who are suffering from great sin. We should pray like brothers and sisters with one heart.

The Second Word:

"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

(Luke 23:43)

Everyday of our lives, we experience trials. Some are bearable but some forces us to give up. But if we trust in the promise of our Lord, those trials are coupled with hope. Hoping that tomorrow will bring a new beginning.

The Third Word:

"Jesus said to his mother: "Woman, this is your son."Then he said to the disciple: "This is your mother."

(John 19:26-27)

Is there any worst pain felt by a mother seeing her son suffering? But Mother Mary trusted his Son to God. Let us be like Mother Mary who is brave enough to entrust to the Lord everything including her only Son.

The Fourth Word:

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 

(Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34)

We ask because we want answers. We want answers because we fight to survive. We fight to survive because we know that someone will always be there for us. It is in our faith that we always ask why would God allow us to suffer at least we know that there is much higher being who owns our life.

The Fifth Word:

"I thirst."
(John 19:28)

Jesus manifest His own physical suffering. Let us reflect on how thirsty our soul is. Are we contented on the love of God for us? Do we feel blessed that we still exist and able to see beautiful things?

The Sixth Word:

They put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, "It is finished;" and he bowed his head and handed over the spirit. 

(John 19:29-30)

The end. Truly God saved His only Son. Jesus fulfilled the mission His father gave. In our lives, there is always an end. It is not only base on success or failure but it is base on how we fight and on how many times we rise again to make it to the end.

The Seventh Word:

Jesus cried out in a loud voice,"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."

(Luke 23:46)

My prayer for this holy sacrifice of Jesus.

Jesus, we are always challenged by suffering and sin.
But as we look at Your cross, we feel light because we know You are there while we suffer.
May Your sacrifice strengthen our faith that we may not fail You.
May You open our hearts and welcome your eternal love for us.
For this, we entrust everything to You for Your will be done. Amen.