Holy Week is a time of profound reflection for Christians around the world. It is a week when our gaze inevitably turns to Calvary, the place where Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, gave his life for humanity. Amid the pain and anguish of the crucifixion, Jesus spoke seven phrases, known as the "Seven Words," which have resonated through the centuries, offering comfort, hope, forgiveness, and a profound understanding of divine love. These words, charged with meaning and power, invite us to contemplate the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice and reflect on its impact on our lives.

1. The word of forgiveness: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34)

In the midst of torment and humiliation, Jesus' first word is one of grace and mercy. As the soldiers nail him to the cross, as the religious leaders mock and the bystanders insult him, Jesus intercedes for his executioners. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." This phrase reveals the depth of Christ's love, a love that transcends hatred and violence. It reminds us that forgiveness is possible even in the most extreme circumstances. Jesus, in his agony, teaches us that forgiveness is not just a word, but an action, a decision to free others from the burden of their guilt, just as he did for us. This word challenges us to examine our own hearts and extend forgiveness to those who have offended us, recognizing that, like those who crucified Jesus, we often act without full awareness of the consequences of our actions. Forgiveness, as Jesus showed us, brings freedom and peace to the soul.

2. The Word of salvation: "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43)

Crucified between two criminals, Jesus offers a promise of hope to one of them. While one of the criminals mocks Him, the other acknowledges his own guilt and asks for mercy. Jesus responds with unshakeable assurance: “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” This word reveals to us the inclusive nature of salvation. No matter how great our sin, or how dark our past, God’s grace is available to all who repent and believe. Salvation is a gift, not something we can earn through our own merits. It is a gift from God, guaranteed by the word of Jesus Christ. This promise fills us with hope and reminds us that even at the moment of death, eternal life is within reach for those who trust in the Savior.

3. The Word of love and care: "Woman, behold your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother" (John 19:26-27)

In the midst of his own suffering, Jesus cares for the well-being of his mother, Mary. With tenderness and love, he entrusts her to the care of his disciple John. “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” This word shows us the importance of family and filial love. Jesus, even in his agony, fulfills his responsibility as a son, ensuring that his mother is cared for. This act of love invites us to reflect on our own family relationships and the importance of honoring and caring for our parents. It also reminds us of the unconditional love of a mother, like that of Mary, who was present at the foot of the cross, sharing her son’s pain. Jesus’ love is a perfect example of how we should love and care for those around us, especially our loved ones.

4. The word of anguish and loneliness: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)

This is perhaps the most heartbreaking of the seven words. In a moment of profound anguish, Jesus cries out to his Father, feeling abandoned. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This word reveals to us the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice. To bear our sins, Jesus experienced separation from the Father, an unimaginable loneliness. This cry reminds us of the terrible reality of sin and its consequences. It also shows us the humanity of Jesus, who experienced pain and anguish like us. Yet, in the midst of darkness, Jesus trusts in his Father, knowing that even in abandonment, God is present. This word invites us to reflect on our own moments of loneliness and despair, and to remember that, even in the darkest moments, God is with us, even if we sometimes don’t feel it.

5. The word of physical suffering: "I thirst" (John 19:28)

In the midst of the agony of crucifixion, Jesus expresses his physical need: "I thirst." This word reminds us of Jesus' humanity and the intensity of his suffering. Crucifixion was a cruel and prolonged form of torture, designed to cause maximum pain. Thirst was one of the most terrible torments suffered by those crucified. Jesus, the Creator of the universe, experienced thirst like any human being. This word invites us to contemplate the depth of Christ's sacrifice and to remember that He fully identified with our suffering. He understands our pain, our needs, and our weaknesses. This word also reminds us of the importance of compassion and empathy toward those who suffer.

6. The word of victory and fulfillment: "It is finished" (John 19:30)

In a triumphant cry, Jesus declares, "It is finished." This word marks the end of his earthly mission. The work of redemption the Father entrusted to him is complete. Jesus has fulfilled all the Old Testament prophecies that spoke of his death. He has atoned for sin, defeated Satan, and opened the way for our salvation. This word is a cry of victory, an announcement that God's plan has been fulfilled. It is a reminder that the cross is not the end, but the beginning of a new life. This word fills us with hope and assures us that, through Jesus' death, we have the promise of eternal life.

7. The word of surrender and trust: "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit" (Luke 23:46)

With his last breath, Jesus surrenders himself completely to his Father. "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." This word is an expression of trust and total abandonment to God's will. Jesus, even in death, maintains an intimate communion with his Father. This word invites us to reflect on our own relationship with God and the importance of trusting in Him in all of life's circumstances, even in death. It reminds us that death is not the end, but a transition to a better life with God. This word fills us with peace and assures us that, in God's hands, our spirit is safe.

The Seven Words of Jesus from the Cross are a treasure of wisdom and divine love. Each one reveals a different aspect of Christ's character and offers a profound lesson for our spiritual lives. From forgiveness to final surrender, these words invite us to contemplate the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice and allow his message to transform our hearts. This Holy Week, may these words resonate in the depths of our being, guiding us toward a greater understanding of God's love and greater surrender to his will.

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Student: Martha Rodríguez

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