Seven Last Words

A few years back, as I was reading an issue of the Sunday Inquirer Magazine, I came across an article by a priest. It was about A NEW WAY OF DOING THE SIETE PALABRAS. So what I did was to keep that article until such time I feel it was needed. Until one day, when one of our CLE teachers, Sir Bombit, was thinking of a Lenten activity for his class. So I suggested the Siete Palabras. And so to "immortalize" Fr. Villote's work, I decided to write it on my blog. No copyrights infringement intended. Also, I think this does not replace the centuries old Siete Palabras in Churches. As I have stated above, this would be good for small groups having a Lenten recollection/retreat.

1. “Father, forgive them, they do not know what they do.” – Lk. 23:34

          Write down the names of at least seven persons you want to give forgiveness to, and to receive forgiveness from – as if today were the last day of your life.

2. “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Lk. 23:43

          If God were to call you seven hours from now, who would be the seven persons in your life you want to be around to see you go? Why?

3. He said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” – Jn 19:26-27

          What are the seven last things you would like to say to (or do for) your mother on the last day of your life?

4. “Eli, Eli lema sabachtani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” – Mt. 27:46

          What might be the seven things (persons or situations) that most frequently test your faith in God and people? Compose a prayer for them.

5. “I thirst.” – Jn. 19:28

          What are your seven most intense desires at this time of your life? Be honest and don’t correct and rationalize your feelings. Own and honor them and bring them to Jesus thirsting on the Cross.

6. “It is finished.” – Jn. 19:30

          What are the seven last things you want to accomplish during the last seven years of your life?

7. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” – Lk. 23:46

          Write down a letter to Jesus telling Him how His dying on the Cross is important to you. Tell Him how you feel about your own dying, and the dying of those whose lives have bought meaning and hope to your own life.

Villote, Fr. Ruben J. (2005). The Word: Saturday Inquirer Magazine, March 20, 2005.

(No copyrights infringement intended.)