Scripture meditation for Lent
Meditation on the Last Words of Jesus from the Cross
"Father Neuhaus states, 'If what Christians say about Good Friday is true, then it is, quite simply, the truth about everything.' It is surpassingly strange for Christians to say that on Good Friday God died and died on a cross like a common criminal, betrayed, despised, broken, alone, suffering and despairing. But the death of Christ redeems mankind and fulfills God's plan of salvation for Man, leaving us with reason to hope that there is a life beyond death." (From "Death On A Friday Afternoon" by Father Richard Neuhaus)
Perhaps particularly during Lent we can take time to meditate and pray on the mystery of Christ's Seven Last Words and discover the truth contained within this mystery. Within the truth of Christ's Words there is truth for our own lives as so many struggle within our current economic crisis with illness, abandonment, betrayal, rejection...the very things Christ suffered in His humanity.
1. Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:24)
2. Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. (Luke 23:43)
3. Woman, behold, your son. Son, behold your mother. (John 19:26-27)
4. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Mark 15:34).
5. I thirst. (John 19:28)
6. It is finished. (John 19:30)
7. Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46).
Storm settles into quiet,
Darkest dusk leads to a dawn,
Bleak winter melts to springtime,
And the tide turns--
Hold on.
-Sharon Hudnell in "Comfort Prayers" by June Cotner
"Father Neuhaus states, 'If what Christians say about Good Friday is true, then it is, quite simply, the truth about everything.' It is surpassingly strange for Christians to say that on Good Friday God died and died on a cross like a common criminal, betrayed, despised, broken, alone, suffering and despairing. But the death of Christ redeems mankind and fulfills God's plan of salvation for Man, leaving us with reason to hope that there is a life beyond death." (From "Death On A Friday Afternoon" by Father Richard Neuhaus)
Perhaps particularly during Lent we can take time to meditate and pray on the mystery of Christ's Seven Last Words and discover the truth contained within this mystery. Within the truth of Christ's Words there is truth for our own lives as so many struggle within our current economic crisis with illness, abandonment, betrayal, rejection...the very things Christ suffered in His humanity.
1. Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:24)
2. Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. (Luke 23:43)
3. Woman, behold, your son. Son, behold your mother. (John 19:26-27)
4. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Mark 15:34).
5. I thirst. (John 19:28)
6. It is finished. (John 19:30)
7. Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46).
Storm settles into quiet,
Darkest dusk leads to a dawn,
Bleak winter melts to springtime,
And the tide turns--
Hold on.
-Sharon Hudnell in "Comfort Prayers" by June Cotner
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