The “seven last words” of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels are: 1. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). 2. To a thief who had been crucified with him and who asked for mercy, He said, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). 3. To His …

Jesus died by crucifixion. Having been nailed to the Cross for about three hours, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit (cf. John 19:30). Thus, the Son of God died for us sinners. St. Paul wrote, “Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man—though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die. But God …

The Passion of Jesus has eternal effects. His suffering saved us from sin and all its consequences, and we have received every grace and gift leading to eternal life. This liberation won for us by Jesus in His Passion has effects even in this world. Redemption is not only in the soul’s inner life of love and grace. Men freed …

Jesus suffered inexpressible physical and spiritual agony upon the Cross. Crucifixion was such a horrible instrument of death that the Roman authorities would not use it on their own citizens. Added to this torment was that indescribable pain of rejected love. He was rejected not only by those in Palestine, but also by all those who prefer sinful life-styles to …