Seven Last Words
In 2014, St. Simon & St. Jude's webzine On the Way (editor Peggy Hill) presented a series of reflections on the seven last sayings of Jesus from the cross. The first six reflections are by writers from sister churches across The Diocese of Upper South Carolina, and the last is the work of SSSJ rector the Rev. Mark Abdelnour. All are accompanied by a musical selection chosen by then-music director Sandra J. Teel. We are deeply grateful to these pilgrim souls for sharing their thoughts. We were so moved that we wanted to share the reflections again in this series Faith@Home. If you are so moved, please forward the reflections to your friends and associates. You may subscribe to Faith@Home (weekly publication) here. Your comments are welcome at the same link.
The "seven last sayings" of Jesus on the cross have long been central to Christian meditation and are traditionally presented as part of a single narrative, in a certain order. But the reality is that the seven sayings are actually drawn from all four of the canonical gospels. In no single gospel account does Jesus utter them all. Three sayings appear exclusively in Luke, and three are found only in John. The remaining saying appears in both Matthew and Mark. The seven sayings tradition is one example of a "gospel harmony," the result of an attempt to merge material in the canonical gospels into a single linear account.
Faith@Home will present the sayings (weekly on Fridays) in the order they are traditionally remembered. The last will be published on Good Friday 2024.
The Last of Seven: It is finished (John 19:30). [to be published 4/2/2021]
REFLECTION: It is finished (John 19:30) by Mark A. Abdelnour
MUSICAL SELECTIONS from Franz Joseph Haydn “The Seven Last Words of our Savior on the Cross” The Earthquake;
From Pepper Choplin “Come, touch the robe”; King of Suffering (at about 2.52 minutes)
Here are the seven sayings in the order they are traditionally remembered. Faith@Home's reflections will follow this order.
Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34).
REFLECTION: When we oppress . . . by Amy Sander Montanez
MUSICAL SELECTION from James MacMillan's “Seven last words from the Cross”, The Dmitri Ensemble (Clare College, Cambridge).The Second of Seven: Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise (Luke 24:43)
REFLECTION: Jesus loves by Fergie Horvath
MUSICAL SELECTIONS: (i) from Charles Tournemire's Seven Last Words of Christ, "Hodie mecus eris in Paradiso" (instrument only); (ii) gospel music and video.Woman, behold your son. Behold your mother (John 19:26-27).
REFLECTION: Widening the Circle by John Bethell
MUSICAL SELECTIONS: from John Stainer, The Crucifixion, #17.My God, My God, why have you forsaken me (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34).
REFLECTION: Witness to suffering by Philip H. Whitehead
MUSICAL SELECTIONS: track from Scott Brenner's “King of Glory”; and
Michael Card's “Eli eli, lama sabachthani”I thirst (John 19:28).
REFLECTION: Thirsting for life by Allison Askins
MUSICAL SELECTIONS: Tajci (Tatiana) & Sanya “I thirst”Father, into your hands I commend my spirit (Luke 23:46). [to be published 3/26/2021]
REFLECTION: Faith in reckless love by Susan Prinz
MUSICAL SELECTIONS (i) Children from the middle school Wallsend singing from “The Easter Story”; and (ii) Number 7 James Macmillan’s “Seven Last Words from the Cross”
[Note: many of the seven words are found in Andrew Lloyd Webber's “The Crucifixion” from Jesus Christ Superstar. For those wishing to review all seven words (again), return to James Macmillan's "Seven Last Words from the Cross".]
[Note: many of the seven words are found in Andrew Lloyd Webber's “The Crucifixion” from Jesus Christ Superstar. For those wishing to review all seven words (again), return to James Macmillan's "Seven Last Words from the Cross".]