- Feb 18
- 2 min read

First Sunday of Lent

Seven last words

The sayings of Jesus on the cross (sometimes called the Seven Last Words from the Cross) are seven expressions biblically attributed to Jesus during his crucifixion. Traditionally, the brief sayings have been called "words".

Wikipedia "What Our Lord Saw from the Cross (Ce que voyait Notre-Seigneur sur la Croix)". Open Collection. Brooklyn Museum. Retrieved 4 January 2022.

Word ONE – Forgiveness

“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

Each Lent we are invited to enter the life of Jesus – in a new way. Walking with him seeing with new eyes and hear the story with a new heart. to Jerusalem, and then through his Passion, Death and Resurrection.

During the last 365 days each of us, and the world, have experienced both blessings and challenges. This Lent I invite you to see through the eyes of Jesus in his last moments. To listen with an open heart to his final words directed at God, to those at the foot of the Cross and you, the reader of this reflection.

Who are the ‘THEY’?

The soldiers? Those who whipped him? The one in charge? Jesus can see one soldier to his left who was only ‘following orders’ – thereby abdicating any responsibility for the killing of Jesus and the two thieves. Just like Pilate he ‘washes’ his hands of any blood shed because he is a good soldier and is ‘following’ orders.

The history of the world is full of incidents where people were ‘only following’ the rules, orders, traditions or prejudices which lead to wars, abuse of creation, slavery, struggles for power and the ‘haves and have nots’ way of life. Where do we see this happening in our time? Can God really forgive this ‘blind following’ that leads both individuals and nations to embrace hatred, violence, destruction of creation and abuse of human persons?

They know not what they do???? What do you think?

What about when we do know what is right and wrong but chose to do nothing in the face of injustice? racism? sexism? poverty? greed? abuse of power?

We pray: “I confess to almighty God and to you my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thought and in my words, and what I have failed to do – through my fault…”