7 LAST WORDS

We listen intently to the last words of a dying loved one, treasuring every final message. How much more should we treasure the words Jesus spoke to us from the cross? In the Seven Last Words of Jesus, the Franciscan Friars, TOR, at Franciscan University of Steubenville, lead simple yet moving reflections on the meaning of Christ’s dying words to us.

INTRODUCTION

with Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, president of Franciscan University of Steubenville, provides a brief explanation of the Seven Last Words of Jesus, a Christian meditation on Jesus’ final words to us from his cross.

1. FORGIVENESS

with Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, president of Franciscan University of Steubenville, reflects on the first word that Jesus—beaten, bruised, bleeding, crowned, crucified—speaks to us from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

2. SALVATION

with Fr. Nathan Malavolti, TOR

Father Nathan Malavolti, TOR, chemistry professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville, discusses what Jesus’ words to the Good Thief, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43), mean for us.

3. RELATIONSHIP

with Fr. Shawn Roberson, TOR

Father Shawn Roberson, TOR, University chaplain at Franciscan University of Steubenville, reflects on Jesus’ beautiful gift of the Blessed Mother from the cross: “‘Woman, behold your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother’” (John 19:26-27).

4. ABANDONMENT

with Fr. Dominic Foster, TOR

Father Dominic Foster, TOR, a counselor at Franciscan University of Steubenville, explores the question Jesus asked his Father from the cross: “‘My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Matthew 27:46).

5. DISTRESS

with Fr. Jonathan St. André, TOR

Father Jonathan St. André, TOR, vice president of Franciscan Life at Franciscan University of Steubenville, says Jesus’ words, “‘I thirst’” (John 19:28), remind us of his human thirst as well as his thirst for each of us.

6. TRIUMPH

with Fr. Matthew Russick, TOR

Father Matthew Russick, TOR, pastoral associate for Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville, says “‘It is finished’” (John 19:30) means Jesus has completed his goal of our salvation and is triumphant even as he is dying upon the cross.