The First Word:

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

Theological Meaning:

Jesus, in His agony, offers forgiveness to those responsible for His crucifixion, Roman soldiers, religious leaders, and even the indifferent crowd. This fulfills His teaching on love and mercy (Matthew 5:44: “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you”).

Meditation:

Christ’s mercy is limitless. Even in suffering, He forgives.

We are called to forgive others, no matter how deeply they have hurt us.

Do we hold onto grudges, or do we extend Christlike forgiveness?

The Second Word:

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

Theological Meaning:

Jesus speaks these words to the repentant thief, showing that salvation is possible even at the last moment. It reveals God’s infinite mercy and the power of true contrition.

Meditation:

No one is beyond God’s mercy, conversion is always possible.

Do we seek God’s forgiveness sincerely and often, as the good thief did?

Are we merciful toward sinners, as Christ was?

The Third Word:

“Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother.” John 19:26-27)

Theological Meaning:

Jesus entrusts Mary to John, establishing her as the spiritual mother of all believers. This moment foreshadows Mary’s role in the Church (Revelation 12:17: “The rest of her offspring… keep the commandments of God”).

Meditation:

Mary is our mother, given to us by Christ. Do we honor her and seek her intercession?

How can we imitate Mary’s faithfulness and love?

Do we care for our own families with the same love
 Christ showed for His mother?

The Fourth Word:

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark

15:34)

Theological Meaning:

Jesus quotes Psalm 22, which begins in anguish but ends in trust and victory. He expresses deep suffering but remains faithful, showing that even in desolation, we must cling to God.

Meditation:

Have we ever felt abandoned by God? How do we respond in times of suffering?

Jesus understands our pain, do we turn to Him in our struggles?

Do we trust that God is working, even when we don’t feel His presence?

The Fifth Word:

“I thirst.” (John 19:28)

Theological Meaning:

Jesus, physically dehydrated, also expresses His spiritual thirst, for souls. This echoes His earlier words:

“Whoever thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37).

Meditation:

Christ thirsts for our love, our repentance, our souls. Do we give Him our hearts?

Are we spiritually thirsty for God, or do we seek fulfillment in worldly things?

How can we quench Christ’s thirst by serving others?

The Sixth Word:

“It is finished.” John 19:30)

Theological Meaning:

Jesus completes His mission of salvation. The work of redemption, His obedience, sacrifice, and love, is fulfilled. The Old Covenant is fulfilled, and the New Covenant is established.

Meditation:

Jesus completed His mission. Are we faithful to our own calling?

How do we respond to Christ’s finished work of salvation?

Do we surrender our struggles to God, trusting in His plan?

The Seventh Word:

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

Theological Meaning:

Jesus surrenders completely to the Father, dying with trust and love. This is the ultimate act of faith, fulfilling Psalm 31:5 and showing us how to die to self and live for God.

Meditation:

Do we entrust our lives fully to God?

How do we respond in times of suffering, do we trust like Jesus did?

Are we ready to surrender ourselves to God’s will completely?

These final words of Christ from the Cross encapsulate His mission of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Meditating on them these Holy Week helps us:

Grow in forgiveness (First Word).

Trust in God’s mercy (Second Word).

Honor Mary as our mother (Third Word).

Remain faithful in suffering (Fourth Word).

Respond to Christ’s thirst for our love (Fifth
Word).

Recognize His completed sacrifice (Sixth Word).

Surrender our lives fully to God’s will (Seventh 
Word).