SEVEN LAST WORDS
APPLIED IN PRESENT DAY
By Rodolfo A. Arizala
Santiago, Chile 21 April 2008
Today is Good Friday and we recall to mind the “Seven Last Words” uttered at Mt. Calvary more than two thousand years ago before our Lord Jesus Christ expired on the cross.
Hereunder are the seven last words and my comments:
1. FATHER, FORGIVE THEM FOR THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY DO.
(Luke 23:34). Comments: Forgive the graft and corruption, mass poverty, hunger, injustice, etc .
2. TRULY I SAY TO YOU, TODAY YOU SHALL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE.
(Luke 23:43). Comments: Many people would be in paradise on earth if there are peace, order, security, food, water, medicines, shelter, education, decent means of livelihood and allowed to worship freely.
3. BEHOLD YOUR SON; BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER.
(John 19:26-27). Comments:Today, there are many families in the world without sons or mothers to behold. They either perish by war. terrorism, revolution or leave their home countries to work abroad.
4.MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?
(Mat. 27:26). Comments: My God, my God, have the people forsaken you also?
5. I THIRST.
(John 19:28). Many people are not only without clean drinking water but also thirsting for justice, love, kindness and human dignity.
6. IT IS FINISHED.
(John 19:30). Comments: May wars, political upheavals, terrorism, religious intolerance, economic inequality, destruction of the enviroment, other forms of sufferings be also ended.
7. FATHER INTO THY HANDS I COMMEND MY SPIRIT.
(Luke 23:46). Comments: We commend our fate and spirit to the Lord and we pray for moral regeneration and resurrection of the family of nations.
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