Seven Last Words
An Invitation to a Deeper Friendship with Jesus
-
-
5.0 • 1 Rating
-
-
- $11.99
Publisher Description
“Spiritually rewarding and uplifting.” — Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York
New York Times bestselling author and editor at large of America magazine Father James Martin reveals how we can turn to Christ completely in mind, heart, and soul. In this powerful work of Christian spirituality, Martin offers a portrait of Jesus, using his last words on the cross to reveal how deeply he understood our predicaments and shows us what it means to be fully human.
Each meditation is dedicated to one of the seven sayings:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”“Today you will be with me in Paradise.”“Woman, this is your son” . . . “This is your mother.”“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”“I thirst.”“It is finished.”“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”
With the warmth, wisdom, and grace that infuse his works, Father James Martin explains why Jesus’s crucifixion and death on the cross is an important teaching moment in the Gospels. Jesus’s final statements, words that are deeply cherished by his followers, exemplify the depth of his suffering but also provide a key to his empathy and why, through this shared understanding of suffering, we can connect with him so deeply.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this short but powerful work, Reverend Martin explores a portion of scripture often called the seven last words of Jesus. One of the commonly forgotten aspects of Catholicism is its deep meditative tradition, Martin writes. But both saints and scholars have found guidance and solace in the historic worship practices of the church. Taken from a sermon given at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City in April, 2015, the book is broken into seven sections focusing on each "word" which are actually the last seven "sentences, or phrases, or sayings" Christ spoke on the cross. Although no single gospel contains all seven words, a comprehensive study of the four gospels reveals the seven teachings. Each chapter reflects on how Jesus' words can help bring God and man closer, humanizing these grand teachings to aid readers with everyday struggles. Fundamental to Martin's thesis is the idea that a deep appreciation for these profound words can bring happiness and satisfaction. "Jesus' preaching was meant to bring joy to those who follow him," he writes. "His words were, after all, good news." Intended for those interested in liturgy, this transcribed sermon is a breezy, digestible take on the lessons of Christ's sacrifice.
