by Msgr. Joseph Calise
One of the most profound Lenten devotions is a reflection on the Seven Last Words of Christ. No Gospel writer mentions all seven. As a matter of fact, only Matthew and Mark share one. Each author, no doubt, included what he believed would be most pertinent to his particular audience.
This is not unusual. Imagine coming across a car accident. On the scene are a nurse, a policeman, and the relative of one of the drivers. They will all be looking at the same scene, but their emphases will be very different. The nurse will talk about the condition of the people involved; the policeman about the details of what happened; and the relative about the condition of his loved one. They will all have seen the same thing but been touched by a different aspect. The Evangelists had different backgrounds and audiences. So, it is not unusual that they would emphasize different words from the Cross.
Matthew and Mark wrote for a very Jewish audience. The only quote they offer from Jesus is, “My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?” from Psalm 22. John who wrote for a Church that was already growing and developing a specifically Christian character but who was also known as the “Disciple Jesus loved” includes three words: “Woman, behold your Son; Son, behold your mother,” the words spoken directly to
him, “I thirst” and “It is finished.” Any of these provides ample opportunity for reflection.
However, today’s reading of the Passion comes from St. Luke. He was a gentile, converted by St. Paul, who wrote for a gentile (that is, not Jewish) audience. He wanted to attract people to the teachings of Christ by promising them that there is value in faith for them. A look at the last words of Christ he presents in his version of the Passion is quite informative.
The first of the quotes he mentions is, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” Jesus not only asked the Father to forgive those who put him on the cross, but he actually makes excuses for them. He says, “They know not what they do,” implying that if they did understand who he is they would not be crucifying him. His forgiveness was from the heart.
After the two men who were crucified with him argue, the one remembered as “The Good Thief” simply acknowledges his own guilt and humbly asks Jesus to “remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Hearing his sincerity, Jesus says, “Amen, I say to you, this day you will be with me in paradise.” In all of the Scriptures, he is the only person to be personally given this promise. His repentance receives its reward.
Finally, the last of the words recorded by St. Luke are, “Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit.” With this movement toward the Father, Jesus’ earthly work is complete. His cross won forgiveness. The message of the cross is not that we are sinners. Most of us know that all
too well. The message of the cross, the message St. Luke knew would draw so many gentiles to faith, is that sin can be forgiven. On April 14, throughout the diocese and our neighboring dioceses, we are observing Reconciliation Monday.
The sacrament of reconciliation will be readily available to those who want to personally hear the message of forgiveness to more confidently celebrate the glory of Easter.
Readings for Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
Luke 19:28-40
Isaiah 50:4-7
Philippians 2:6-11
Luke 22:14–23:56 or Luke 23:1-49
Msgr. Joseph P. Calise is the pastor of Transfiguration-St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Maspeth.