cross on calvary (ctto)

My reflection of this year's Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ.

"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

The first words that came out of His mouth after being hanged on the cross. No matter how harsh and rude people are, still, Jesus Christ asked His Father in heaven to forgive them.

For us, mortals and sinners, this is insane because of our nature to be vengeful. But for Him, it is easy to forgive. Let's hope that in these days of the pandemic we should, at least not point fingers, but instead be mindful of how to help instead of spread hate.

"Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."

Dismas received an immediate assurance, and on that day, Christ brought him to heaven. The story of Dismas is not just about who goes to heave, but it's about faith and trust.

Today, people are losing their trust in the government and perhaps in the people around them because of the COVID19. Yes, there are irregularities in the government but we should lose faith and trust in the Lord that things will get better. Instead of looking for faults in everyone, let us all look for the good. And pray that goodness prevails in every person.

"Woman, behold, thy son! Behold, thy mother!"

Women are strong no matter what trials and problems they face. This part of the seven last words portrays the strength of women. The scene of Mary seeing his son suffering is like the scene in today's pandemic. A lot of them have suffered, but that doesn't hold them back.

Also, the doctors and nurses play the part of Mary, being strong, to every patient they tend to. It's like being a mother to them since these patients are alone and fighting for their lives.

"Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani" or "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"

It is perhaps what most people are thinking right now. We thought that God has forsaken us. I remember the story of a man walking along the beach where, at first, he sees footprints in the sands, but when problems cames to his life, only a single footprint was there in the sand. He didn't know that was Christ's footprints carrying him in his time of trials.

"I thirst."

Summer is already here, and in just a few minutes under the sun can dehydrate us. Imagine Jesus Christ walked from the city to Mount Golgotha, which is more than one kilometer and carrying a cross, do you think you wouldn't get thirst? In my reflection, His thirst is not just the physical thirst but also spiritual.

"Tetelestai" or "It is finished."

It is finished, for His mortal body, it is. The sacrificial lamb that took away our sinners.

If you're a butcher, you'll know the case of draining blood from the butchered animal. Taking away all the impurities.

"Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit."

Into Thy hands, I commend my spirit. I just pray that we all put our trust in the Lord and let His ways work on us all.