The images and
reflections in this short reflection have
matured over a period of three years. A
combination of the visual and written word
they are presented as a possible starting
point for your own reflections on the subject.
And what a subject to reflect on- 'The Passion
of Jesus Christ' - Written about and depicted
in paintings and film -it is ever new. A
source of wonder, and a resource, that can
renew the spiritual lives of those who take
the time to enter the event. The 'Seven Last
Words' have proved to be a rich source for
musicians and a number of great composers
including Haydn and Gubaidulina have
embellished the sayings of Jesus with moving
works of art.
The last Words have come down to us from the
Christian Gospel writers and reflect the
understanding each evangelist had in
their account of the events of the
Passion- they form a composite- for each of
the accounts are different. The 'Words' do not
stand alone, but are extracted from the Psalms
or writings from the Jewish Old Testament.
Those standing around the cross at the
crucifixion of Jesus would have known these
Psalms and recognized that Jesus was quoting
from them-or rather they were wrung from him
in his terrible pain. Traditionally these
'Words' follow a sequence- from the 'The Word
of Forgiveness' to 'The Word of Committal' - a
movement from forgiveness to abandonment - the
royal road of conversion. The starting point
of a journey that opens out and in, beyond the
simple words spoken by Christ. This journey of
the Passion began with reflection and the
words spoken, images replaced the words,
images that reflect my understanding of the
events of the 'Passion' and of the person of
Jesus- I was finally led back to the 'Words'
and reflection.
» Click on each photo below
to access page for reflection and
meditation
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The Word of Forgiveness
“Father forgive them for they know
not what they do”
– Luke 23:34
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The
Word of Salvation
“Behold
you will be with me in paradise”
– Luke 23:43
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The
Word of Affection
“Mother behold your son; son
behold your mother”
– John 19:26,27
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The
Word of Physical Torment
“I thirst” – John 19:26
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The Word of Despair
“My God, my God, why have you
forsaken me?”
– Matthew 27:47; Mark 15:34
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The Word of Commital
“Father, into your hands I commit
my spirit”
– Luke 23: 46
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The Word of Triumph
“It is accomplished”
– John 19:30
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