The Our Father and 7 Last Words of Jesus, 6th Word
by Dennis P. McGeehan
The key episode in all of history is the death and resurrection of Jesus. No other event in history is remotely close in impact and permanence of effect. It was the reason he came to Earth, the fulfillment of his life. The Son of God became man so he could pay the price of our sins on the cross. His whole human existence pointed to this moment.
The scriptures record what Christ said while he hung on the cross. For all believers his words are worth pondering. The seven last words of Christ are seven statements he made. They are the last teachings he gave to us, and connect to his teaching on how we should pray. Series link.
Sixth Word: “It is finished” (John 19:29-30)
“Thy will be done …” From heaven Jesus became a helpless baby, lived a human life full of work, sweat and pain, and fulfilled his destiny by dying in agony on the cross. He did that out of obedience to the Father and love for us.
Like a marathon runner who has finished the race he proclaims his victory. He appears to lose the race but in three days he will smash the chains of death. He has paid the price for our sins, a price that’s beyond counting.
We are called each day to pick up our cross and help those that God puts before us. At the end of each day and at the end of our lives will we be able to say triumphantly, “It is finished!”
Dennis P. McGeehan is a husband, father (nine kids — eight on Earth and one in God’s hands), author and freelance writer who has written for a variety of magazines. He has published two books, The Diaries of Joseph and Mary and Selecting the Best Martial Arts Class for your Child. He is a member of the Catholic Writers Guild. Dennis blogs at www.warriorsworlddad.com.