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In our parish : No Greater Love – Week 5
April 2, 2026
So, we have journeyed from Holy Thursday to the last moments of Jesus on the cross and we hear the last seven powerful phrases of Jesus.
Father forgive them for they know not what they do.
What is Jesus saying here? At this moment Jesus is showing us how to forgive, we are called to forgive seventy times seven, infinitely. In our lives have we held back forgiveness? We are reminded of the words of the Our Father. If we want to enter heaven we need to repent and forgive.
Today you will be with me in paradise.
One of the criminals crucified with Jesus received salvation when he said to Jesus ‘Remember me when you come into your kingdom’. If we acknowledge our faults, God will never hold back forgiveness. None of us are unforgiveable.
John, behold your mother, woman behold your son.
St John is the model disciple he represents all disciples. Jesus gives his mother to him to behold and to us Catholics to never forget Mary our mother who is there to take our prayers to Jesus and pray for us.
Eli Eli Lama Sabachtani, My God my God why have you forsaken me?
Psalm 22 has parallels to this moment. Jesus is letting the Jewish leaders discover themselves what is happening and because this Psalm ends in hope, Jesus is telling them not to worry all will be good.
I thirst.
Jesus is given vinegar to drink with the use of a hyssop branch, which takes us back to the first Passover. He thirsts for us, his disciples, to turn to him.
It is finished.
Jesus is completing the old Passover. The old law is done and the new law begins. No more sacrifices are needed because he has taken that upon himself.
Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.
Jesus breathes his last, hangs his head and dies. As God breathed life into this world, here is God now breathing his last from this world. Jesus right side is pierced and blood and water flow out. The water symbolises Baptism and the blood symbolises Eucharist, Sacraments. At every mass we participate in this miracle when we receive Him in Holy communion Body and Blood soul and divinity, we become one with God. Jesus suffered and died on His terms, this is why we say No Greater Love.