1.
“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”
(Luke 23:34)
Do you really believe God has forgiven your sins? Do you take time on a regular basis to confess your sins so that you might enjoy the freedom of forgiveness? Do you need to experience God’s forgiveness in a fresh way today?
2.
“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
(Luke 23:43)
Have you staked your life on Jesus? Have you put your ultimate trust in him? Do you know that, when your time comes, you will be with him in paradise?
3.
“Dear woman, here is your son.”
(John 19:26)
What does Mary’s presence at the cross evoke in you? Why do you think was it necessary for Jesus to suffer physical pain as he died?
4.
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
(Mark 15:34)
Have you taken time to consider that Jesus was abandoned by the Father so that you might not be? What does this “word” from the cross mean to you?
5
“I am thirsty.”
(John 19:28)
How do you respond to Jesus’ statement “I am thirsty”? What does this statement suggest to you about Jesus? About yourself?
6.
“It is finished!”
(John 19:30)
Do you live as if Jesus finished the work of salvation? To you have confidence that God will finish that which he has begun in you?
7.
“Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!”
(Luke 23:46)
Have you put your life and, indeed, your life beyond this life, in God’s hands? How do you experience God’s salvation through Christ in your life today?
It is finished.
ReplyDeleteThese words encapsulate Jesus' work on Earth. He came for a reason and had a job to do. Throughout his time he saw all sorts of things, from nature to nurture, and he saw the white and the black. His life was always meant to lead to this act. He knew he would die for humanity's sins and he followed this calling. He followed because he knew that this sacrifice was for a much better reward for all of us. His life lead up to this point because it was ever important.
Much like his life, our years are separated into parts, with one part standing out in particular. His sacrifice is a time of great sadness, but also a time of great rejoice. This is the climax of our year as it was the climax of Jesus' life. Everything else lead up to it. Everything else prepares us for it. This is the time of our salvation.
This was the last act Jesus did before his death. His life up to this point was for this. "It is finished." He has completed his work, he has saved us from our sins. His great sacrifice is our great saving. In this way, it truly was finished. He endured the pain and all of the agony, and at the end of it all, he was able to rest.
Chris, I thought this was a very good read and it was nicely written. The only thing I would disagree with is that I don’t think we rejoice over His sacrifice, but we rejoice for His rising.
DeleteYeah I that's what I meant.
DeleteChris this is beautiful. I love how simple this it-it adds to the piece. Great job!
Delete“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” (Luke 23:34) Holy Week is indeed the climax of the liturgical year. Some may wonder why, and I’m here to tell you a great reason for that. Each year it’s Christmas and before I knew it, it was Easter. It goes by so fast I practically forget to prepare for it. Therefore, this whole preparation time I feel guilty. I feel like I have done nothing but mess up this entire time. So during this time, I’m constantly am asking God to forgive my sins. In which I know he does, but he has got to be tired of it already. I feel as if he is tired of hearing from me. So during this time, I start over, I begin again. Holy Week is a time for me to realize what have I done. Sometimes I feel like I don’t realize exactly what I have done. This quotes opens my eyes. It allows me to realize what Jesus did for me and others. It allows me to feel guilty for what I have done in the past, yet it also allows me to feel blessed about what He did for me. This Holy Week, I am focusing on bettering myself. Holy Week allows me to feel like I have a new slate and from here on out be a better person overall. Holy Week is here to better a person in both their faith and life and send them on a journey with God.
ReplyDeleteLauryn, this is definitely very relatable. I agree that Holy Week is a wonderful time to work on ourselves, and be thankful of what Jesus did for us.
DeleteLauryn, it is great to hear what Holy Week does for you! I also love the “clean slate” that Holy Week gives us!
DeleteI loved how you used your personal experience that you endure each year and what Holy Week does for you. I share with you your love and excitement of Holy Week.
Delete“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” (Luke 23:34). This quote is the pinnacle of carholocism. Jesus has forgiven our sins in spite of our humanity because he experienced it, he learned our pain. He understands that we try to do what’s right, but it doesn’t always work out. I believe Holy Week is essential because it forces us to reflect on everything we’ve done. It allows us to accept our mistakes and move on. It also reminds us that God understands what we are doing. Once we can accept this, we can move on and understand that doing what’s right is God’s will and we should not be embarrassed to do just that. Jesus didn’t die hoping that it would save us, he died knowing it would save us. Let’s not let him down, shall we?
ReplyDeleteI must agree with your opinion of this quote. I like how you mention that sometimes things don't work out even with good intentions. And how you expanded the reflection form that quote to holy week and everything we've done. And I enjoyed how you closed it using "we" and that pretty central rhetorical question.
DeleteBruce, this was great to read! It was very inspiring and is a great mindset leading into Holy Week.
DeleteBruce, I love how you ended your reflection with “let’s not let him down, shall we?” You did a good job explaining your thoughts! Well done.
DeleteBruce, your use of the word "we" is very distinct throughout your paragraph. If I am interpreting it correctly, I believe the use of "we" is referring to humankind and I believe it is a central part to the Christian religion to recognize that everyone makes mistakes, but you can always ask for forgiveness. Although it is brief, it is very concise in its points and captures how Christians view Holy Week.
Delete“Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” (Luke 23:46) As Jesus spoke this phrase as part of His 7 last “words,” He knew that God would forever be there as His Father, His guidance, and His confidant. He also knew that by dying on the cross to save us from sin, God had a plan to fulfill his promise. I, myself have entrusted God with my life and believe that He will be able to save me and guide me through life. God has been there through and through for me in times of darkness and need. I trust that God will guide me all my life , and even beyond this life He will guide me to the right place beyond this life.
ReplyDeleteDuring Holy Week, we are able to walk through Jesus’ passion with Him to understand the suffering He endured before he was Crucified. Without this week, the Catholic faith would not be as for lack of a better word structured because there would not be a climax of the year. Without a doubt, this whole week is the climax of liturgical year. We see Jesus go through the toughest of times from being betrayed, whipped and stoned, and crucified, to resurrecting from the dead. Holy Week also gives us the opportunity to reflect on our sins and what we have done in order to prepare for Jesus to come again. We are able to attend so many services and confession before He comes again to put ourselves in the best spiritual mindset possible. We are able to become accountable for our actions and realize that we can be better people and that there are other good people out there. During Holy Week, its a time for me to realize all God has done for us and to become better people for it.
Ellie, I really like your explanation of why Holy Week is the climax of the liturgical year. Your description of what occurred was very good.
DeleteEllie, I really enjoyed your blog! I loved reading how you personally felt about these last words of Jesus! Well done.
DeleteI really love how you shared your experience of God being there for you when you needed it most. I think that is something we can all relate to. Great job!
Delete“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) This is a very powerful, and necessary passage for all Catholics to hear during this time. Sacrifice is not always an easy thing, but it is a beautiful thing. And that is exactly what Jesus did for us, and for God the Father. We are called as children of God to also make sacrifices. Through sacrifice, and fully giving oneself to God, it assures us that we will be with the Lord in paradise. The Easter season is a time to improve upon our relationship with God. We need to fully devote our lives at this time. This is a time spiritual and personal change can occur, and help us improve our faith.
ReplyDeleteWhat is more powerful than Jesus giving His life to save us? It is a time to place our trust in Him, as he did with us by sending His only son to save us of our sins. By growing and sacrificing in this time we will be one step closer to being with Him in paradise. Holy Week is such a powerful and reflective time in the Church. It is unlike any other time because it is a time to fully give ourselves and place our trust in God. It is a time to make sacrifices as Jesus did for us.Holy week is a time where we get to journey through Christ’s death and resurrection on the cross. Needless to say every aspect, the year leads up to these significant events. By devoting ourselves and trusting in Him this Holy Week, we will be one step closer to entering eternal paradise with Jesus.
Chelle, this was really well written. I thought the rhetorical question was a great way to start your second paragraph.
DeleteThis might sound weird in how I am wording it, but the format of your first paragraph was well developed. It is kind of like a sandwich if you look at it because you start off with the quote and then went on to explain Jesus' purpose and just as I thought you had gotten side tracked you brought it back to the quote, which is very unique. In your second paragraph, the use of the rhetorical question not just makes your audience engage with your argument, but starts to get them thinking. Well done Michelle.
Delete“It is finished.” As we, as Catholics, are in the midst of Holy Week, it is important to remember why it is the most important time of the liturgical year. During this week, Jesus bore the weight of the cross in order to free us from sin. He died on the cross and rose again from the dead to complete his work of salvation. As we are in the midst of Holy Week, it is important to remember what we are clapped to do. Our work is not finished. We are to live in honor of our salvation and to carry out our actions in the image and likeness of Christ. We are also to recall that God will guide us to our salvation, and we must trust in His plan. This week is an important time to reflect on all of the things Jesus has done for us, and to give Him praise. On Easter Sunday we will all say, “He is risen!”
ReplyDeleteYou did well covering all of the major points I can see about this topic and this quote in particular. I especially like your mentioning of our work not being finished. I think this is a good reminder that just because we're off school for a time, we are still to keep working for God throughout the Easter Season. Very nice.
DeleteBryce great job. It is short and sweet just like the life of Jesus. You did a very nice job explaining why you choose the words with nice examples.
DeleteThis covered the main points of Holy Week well. The idea of calling upon Jesus and falling in his footsteps was a really good idea.
DeleteBryce, I like how your blog is short and to the point. I really like how you mentioned that our time is still happening, so instead of us being lazy and saying "it is finished," we need to fulfill our duty on earth while our time still goes on. Great job!
DeleteStephen
“It is finished!” These three words that Jesus uttered before His death by the cross contain much more meaning then they portray. In this short statement, Jesus revealed to us that His mission for us to have salvation is complete. As the climax of the liturgical year, these last words from Jesus allow us to remember, remind, and reset our faith, making it the most important part of the liturgical year.
ReplyDeleteWhile listening to the readings throughout Holy Week, we remember the suffering that Jesus went through for us, and that we did nothing to deserve it. Through His betrayal by a friend, exhaustion, embarrassment, scourging, and death, we remember the things Jesus did for us and thus remember the basis of our faith. Our faith is based upon love. Just as Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice out of love for us, we are called to do all things in love for Him, our family, and all of God’s creation. Holy Week allows us to remember the basis of our faith, making it the climax of the liturgical year.
Additionally, Holy Week reminds us to live in appreciation and praise for what Jesus did for us. It asks the question “Do you live as if Jesus finished the work of salvation?” Especially as a teenager with so many questions lying ahead such as college, careers, relationships, and countless others, we often forget that God has it all figured out. We become stressed and try to figure things out on our own, when we really need to be more reliant on God and confident in His plan. Holy Week brings these habits to light, and reminds us to have confidence in God and his work.
Possibly the best part about our Catholic faith is God’s mercy. God’s mercy allows us to reset. Holy Week is the best time to hit reset. After remembering and being reminded, we are often ready to reset and start fresh. As spring is arriving and nature is blooming, we feel refreshed. From mourning and remembering our faults, we are awaken with new life through Christ’s resurrection. In coordination with the Resurrection, we are given the perfect opportunity to reset our lives and re-evaluate our goals. Holy Week gives us the perfect time to hit reset on our faith.
These three “R’s” (remember, remind, reset) are products of Holy Week. By remembering the betrayal and suffering that Jesus went through out of love for us, reminding ourselves to have confidence in God and His plan for us, and having the opportunity to reset ourselves and be renewed in our faith. These opportunities are ever present in Holy Week, making it the climax of the liturgical year.
Bailey, I really liked your blog this week. I especially liked how you talked about how you talked about Holy Week being a time to hit reset on our faith and keep our trust in God. Great job!
Delete“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) Often times, it is said, that Christmas’s is the “most wonderful time of the year”, however, Easter is so much more powerful. Christ’s last words, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise” are worth a thousand words. These are what Jesus’s wanted his people to know before he dies for the sins of the many. He has done this for his people so that they may have life, so we may have life. It is the ultimate sacrifice, life.
ReplyDeleteWe all see it, we get caught up in what we are doing, our daily lives, and forget about what Christ has done for us, He is truly the ultimate sacrifice. We say that we trust Him, but do we really? As Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska stated in her diary about the lukewarm souls, “My daughter, write that it pains Me very much when religious souls receive the Sacrament of Love [the Eucharist] merely out of habit, as if they did not distinguish this food. I find neither faith nor love in their hearts. I go to such souls with great reluctance. It would be better if they did not receive Me.” These are harsh words, however, it is true, often we do not see what is in front of us when we receive Jesus in the most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Many times I find in my own life that I do not put all of my trust in Christ. I figure that I have everything under control and I can do it my own way and succeed. However, last year I found myself far from trusting in Christ. To start, I believed I had my whole sophomore year planned out, but I was sadly mistaken. A month into starting “the best year of my life” I found that my life was crashing down around me and feeling like I could not breathe. I was told I had to get an extensive, highly invasive surgery that fused my spinal cord at the fourth vertebrae. I was surprised by this because I was told that day would be my last appointment because I had aged out of that particular doctor, funny how things work out like that. I walked in the day of surgery shaking but knowing that I had prayers behind me from all my friends and family. I was told minutes before surgery that they had to fuse thirteen vertebrae of my spin. It was terrified, and the only thing I could do in that moment was pray, pray for my doctor, to Jesus, for a good surgery. I was told the surgery went great, but I still had to learn how to walk again and recovery took a long time. I started having more and more health problems when I was finally able to go home. I was told my kidneys started to fail at a faster rate than normal. I was shaken, but all I could do again was pray. Jesus pushes us to come to Him, and for many people they find Him in their darkest hour.
Do you know that, when your time comes, you will be with Christ in paradise? No one can really know that when they die if they will be able to enter into eternal life with Christ in paradise. Lent was a time to let go of what was holding us back from Christ whether that be gossip, self loathing, or social media. Christ wants us in heaven with Him. That is why He is giving Himself to us that we might live. Heaven, after we die, that is what actual life is. Life is not what is holding us back on Earth, it is with Christ in Heaven. This is why Holy Week is the climax of the year. We walk though everything Christ did so that we could come to Him. He knew He would die. On Thursday He cried blood in agony in the Mount of Olives. On Friday, He will breath His last breath. The question, “will you go to heaven,” is unknown, it is personal. What could be more beautiful than Christ stretching out His hands at our time and bringing us home to Him?
Jesus said, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”(Luke 23:43) This being one of Jesus’ last words before his death is a way of comforting his people. With many people watching him suffer, hang on the cross, hurt from the thorns in his head, and watch him carry the cross, the Lord still continues to do what he does best, comfort and love. After dying and being tortured for our sins, Jesus finds time in his suffering to assure his people that we will see him again in a state of paradise. These words allow me to put my full trust in Jesus and instead of being afraid to die some day, I trust that I will see Jesus again in paradise. These words also motivate me to prepare myself to see Christ in a place of paradise. Although some say that it is hard to believe when you cannot see, these last words of Christ make it easier. After dying on the cross for us, the least we can do is assure Christ that we will prepare ourselves to see him in paradise.
ReplyDeleteHoly Week is the climax of the liturgical year because it is a time to reflect on Jesus’ last words and last moments that ultimately assure us we will see him again . Prophesies were fulfilled and it was when Jesus saved us all and the gates of Heaven were opened. Holy Week is a time to reflect on what Jesus has done for us and allows for us to act in loving ways to work towards our goal of seeing him.
I liked how you mentioned that even while he suffered, Christ continued to show compassion and love to the sinner who repented. His suffering shows us that, yes, he is fully human, but he is also fully God.
Delete“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”
ReplyDelete(Luke 23:34)
The Christian religion is founded upon the basis that, as stated in the prophets, God will send his only son to forgive the sins of the human race. As Jesus is being publicly mocked whilst being strung up on the cross, among the few words he utters he states his true purpose for being on earth "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Although seemingly mundane at the time compared to what is to follow, it is among one of the most crucial statements to Christianity and the importance of Holy Week.
The New Testament, Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday differentiate Christianity from its predecessor, Judaism. If it was not for these key differences, then Christianity possibly would not have formed into its separate and unique religion. This is why Holy Week and the New Testament are crucial to the Christian religion, thus justifying the statement "Holy Week is the climax of the liturgical year" because without it the prophets would have been proven incorrect and the prophecy would not have been fulfilled.
As in every good book there is a rising action, a climax, a falling action, and a resolution. The Bible follows this outline exactly in the sense of the rising action is the Old Testament up until before Holy Week because it establishes the background necessary to understand the problem at hand and what is going to occur. Following the rising action, the climax is Holy Week because this is the most passionate portion of the Bible where everything seems to confound proving the prophets correct and forgiving everyone of their sins so they can realize the mistakes of their past and follow the Christian religion. Next, the falling action is the portion following everyone discovering Jesus is alive and walking after the crucifixion because his job has been complete. And finally, the resolution occurs at Pentecost where the apostles and Mary are instructed to go preach the good news and what Jesus had done.
Given the evidence, it is easy to deduce that regardless of whether or not you are Christian that Holy Week is the climax of the liturgical year and the Bible. The importance to the foundation of Christianity proves that Holy Week is the climax of the liturgical year because without it, there would be no foundation to stand upon to declare yourself a Christian because the crucifixion and the resurrection would have never occurred. For the non-Christians, simply looking at it from a literary point of view it is easy to deduce that it is the climax of the Bible because it is what the whole book has been building up to do.
You presented this in a very interesting way and brought up some points I hadn’t thought of before. Well done, Logan
Delete“Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands.” (Luke 23:46)
ReplyDeleteAs Jesus struggled to say these very words, as He hung from a cross, completely humiliated, the second part of Christ’s Passion had passed, His death. At this time Catholics “celebrate,” as Jesus no longer suffers At this point in Holy Week Catholics experience the “low” point of Christ’s life. Holy Week celebrates all things that Catholics believe in. It starts Palm Sunday when Jesus is celebrated and praised. On Thursday, the institution of the Eucharist is celebrated. Then on Friday, Christ dies a painful death upon the cross, but Catholics should not forget Sunday when He rose from the dead. The Catholic Church goes through three liturgical season in seven days. So many prophecies were filled during the week, and many lessons can be learned. Just as Jesus did when He hung on the cross and handed over His spirit to God, Catholics must put their faith in God and give themselves to Him.
I liked that you walked through Holy Week rather than talking about it in general terms. I think that you could’ve developed some of your ideas more because they were very good, it just seemed short. But other thn this, good job.
Delete“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
ReplyDeleteWhile being in the middle of Holy Week we realize lent is coming to an end. Many people see Lent as a fresh start, or a chance to begin again. I think that lent is a time of realization. During Lent, it’s almost as if we take a step away from ourselves. We give up something that we feel we can’t go without, we abstain, and we fast. We step outside of our day to day lives by throwing new things into our routines. Lent opens our eyes to the people we can be, rather than the people we are. Then we move into Holy Week. Holy Week is most certainly the climax of the liturgical year, but what exactly does that mean? Climax is defined as, “the most intense, exciting, or important point of something.” With the something being the liturgical year it allows us to look at Holy Week in a new light. Holy Week is the most real time of the year. It is dark and it is heavy but looking past all of that, it is so very important. Holy Week shows all of us the love Jesus had for us. It shows us that love is greater than suffering. It also lets us know that there is a reason for everything. One of Jesus’ last phrases was, “my God, my God why have you abandoned me?” Oftentimes it is easy to feel this way. When life isn’t going well and we’re suffering in our own way we tend to feel like God has left us alone. But as Marty Haugen wrote in Psalm 22: My God, My God, “Lord you have never left me, always are you at my side.” We just need to look past what we’re going through in life to realize that God never leaves us and that when he sends us through troubled waters it is for a reason. Holy Week allows us to do this. It allows us to be consoled in God’s plan for us. It helps us grow in our faith and love Jesus by seeing just how much He loves us.
I liked how you defined the word “climax”, as this was an important and intense week and still continues to be every year.
Delete“I am thirsty” (John 19:28). It is important to note that before the crucifixion started, Jesus was offered a drink but refused it. This drink was a mixture of wine and myrrh. Jewish women would offer this mixture in order to numb the pain and make those who were about to be crucified unconscious for it. However, Jesus refused. He wanted to be fully present in paying for the sins of man. This wine was quite different from the wine he drank while on the cross. The wine he drank was cheap, sour wine which tasted like vinegar. He asked for a drink in order to fulfill Psalm 69, which talked about how David was given sour wine to drink. Jesus wanted to show that it was actually about him and that he fulfilled scripture. He kept every promise from the Old Testament, even the minor detailed promises such as drinking the sour wine. This shows that he wants us to trust him, as he always keeps his word. However, when he cried out in complete and total agony on the cross “I thirst”, he was crying out for more than just a drink. He was crying out for you. He yearns for you and loves you so much that he was brutally tortured and nailed to a cross. We do not deserve heaven, but he chose to die for our sins so that we could be saved and one day be joined with God the Father in heaven. Holy Week is the climax of the liturgical year. At the last supper on Holy Thursday, Jesus celebrates the first mass. He tells his disciples “This is my body” and “This is my blood.” When he said this, many of the people who had followed Jesus throughout his ministry left. As Catholics, this belief is what sets us apart from other Christians, and what truly allows us to love him and grow in a deeper relationship with the Son of God. Jesus chose to die for us and he thirsts for us. This is the source and summit of everything. This is what it is all about.
ReplyDeleteI loved this blog, you did such a great job including so many aspects into it such as Jesus refusing the wine and myrrh mixture, Psalm 69, as well as many other instances that delt with the quote from John 19:28 that you chose.
DeleteEmily, I learned so much from this! I loved your in-depth explanation of these words-it truly shows your knowledge in this topic! Great job!
DeleteEmily!! This was absolutely beautiful! You mentioned things throughout that, I’m sure, not many people are aware of! The aspect of Jesus’ thirst is actually quite important to the true meaning of the Easter season. You elaborated on the “I am thirsty” word to it’s full extent and I loved reading your piece. I hope you had a wonderful Easter Sunday.
Delete“It is finished!” (John 19:30)
ReplyDeleteJesus’ captivating last words truly describe the purpose of his life on Earth. When Jesus was crucified, he fulfilled the promise that God had made when he said he would send his only Son to save the souls of the sinners. Jesus fulfilled his life on Earth when he carried the cross and died for our sins. Holy Week is the most important time in the liturgical year and is held close to the hearts of Catholics. It is the time in which we can commemorate the last week of Jesus’ life. Holy Week is our last opportunity for the preparation of Easter Sunday, which is single-handedly the most important day of the entire year for Catholics. Our focus should be on the Passion of Jesus and the events that led to his death on the cross. Holy Week, including the Triduum, is one of the most beautiful parts of the entire liturgical year because every year it can change the way we life. During Holy Week we are supposed to share in Jesus’ suffering in order to “rise with him” during his spectacular Resurrection. It is so important because we focus both our minds and our hearts on Jesus and the amazing sacrifice he made for all of us and let our emotions of sadness, reverence, and eventual great joy we experience during the Resurrection.
Carly I choose the same last words as you and I’m very happy to see we have similar views. Great job displaying your thoughts.
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DeleteCarly, I think you did an excellent job on this weeks blog. Although I think you could had elaborated more on the quote alone, however, it was still fantastic. I like how you talked not just about Easter Sunday but also the Triduum. Great job.
DeleteCarly, the part of your article in which you said, “during Holy Week we are supposed to share in Jesus’ suffering in order to ‘rise with him’ during his spectacular Resurrection” really creates the call for people to offer up their suffering for Christ. Great work!
Delete-Regis
“It is finished!”
ReplyDeleteJesus life was all about ministry and letting the world know he is the true son of man. Holy Week is the last week of Jesus’ life and is the height of the catholic faith. Jesus started his ministry at age 12 all the way through to this point when he says “it is finished”. By saying this his mission on earth is complete and he fulfilled God’s plan for us. The words to me are very powerful to me because they make me see that Jesus gave his whole life to to God for me. The life of Jesus was a life of sacrifice and in the last few days he suffered greatly. The suffering was brutal but all through it he followed the will of God. He went on to be nailed to the cross experiencing something no many could imagine. He was living for us then died for us. I want the words of Jesus to live in me and remember at one point my life will be finished and I can ask myself “did I do God’s will?”
You incorporated your quote very well into your blog. I liked how you mention what they mean to you personally.
DeleteYou explained the quote very well by using specific instances that were related to it although you could have elaborated further on it. Well done.
DeleteGreat job using the scripture analysis in he rest of your blog! I enjoyed how you ended the entry with a question. Good work Ben!
Delete“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”(Luke 23:34)
ReplyDeleteI once watched an amazing video, it opened with a happy father and son, the father worked near the railroad tracks and the son would tag along. One day, the train was running ahead of schedule and the son tried to worn his father but the son accidentally slipped and fell under the tracks, by the time the father realized he had to make a decision to put all the innocent people on the train in danger or his son. God did a very similar thing by sending Jesus to us, He risked his sons human life but loved us enough to witness His sons murder and yet never sought revenge on the people. Jesus also faced his death knowing that the humans were making a horrible mistake, yet instead of resisting and being enraged he simply said “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CjNovbdxZtc
Jesus faced the ultimate sacrifice, but to him it was worth it because he loved people so much that he was willing to sacrifice his own life. This is the greatest love that will ever be witnessed and because there is still man on this earth, and God had not punished humanity for their wrong doings I believe that if God can forgive man for killing His son, He is able to forgive the rest of our sins.
Holy Week is the climax of the liturgical year. During Holy Week we pay special attention to the sacrifices of Jesus. Holy Week is spent by both mourning and celebrating. Although we mourn for Jesus’s suffering, we also celebrate his life and resurrection. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are all celebrated during a single week within the liturgical year, know as Holy Week.
Mady, I loved how you explained Jesus’s sacrifice with the story of the father and the son you started your blog out with. It was a great touch that explained the crucifixion in a different light. Great job!
Delete“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
ReplyDeleteThis quote describes why the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus is the climax of the Christian Faith because it shows us the door Jesus’s sacrifice literally opened for us- the gates of heaven. This is so incredible because being sinners, we are never really worthy of heaven, but Jesus’s sacrifice and great mercy makes heaven a possibility. Good Friday, the day Jesus died, was the day that the gates of heaven opened to all people and the sins of the world were forgiven. So, although Good Friday seems like such a sad day, it’s really one worthy of somber celebration. Just as Jesus forgave the their next to him and granted him entrance into heaven, Jesus forgives us and grants us entrance into the heavenly kingdom.
Holy Week is incredibly powerful. It is is a great time to reflect on our actions and determine what we need to do to be with Jesus in paradise. It is a time to place all trust in Jesus and surrender to his will. It is a time to begin a clean slate and start living a life that’s worthy of the kingdom of heaven and Jesus’s great sacrifice. Holy Week is the source and summit of the Catholic Faith.
DeleteSophie, I think you did an excellent job on your blog this week. I liked how you talked about how we are not worthy of Christ’s love, mercy, and heaven. However, He wants us to be with Him in paradise. I really liked how you said, “Just as Jesus forgave the man next to him and granted him entrance into heaven, Jesus forgives us and grants us entrance into the heavenly kingdom.” Great job using Good Friday as an example.
Sophie, this really makes me think. I never really understood the mercy of Christ like this. You said that we are sinners, but Christ suffered for us in order for us to have the possibility to reach heaven. Really good work!
Delete-Regis
“Dear woman, here is your son”
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine what Mary was thinking during the crucifixion. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering she must have been going through that that moment. I cannot imagine what she thought as her son bleed and cried out, and took His last breath. I cannot imagine what she thought when His battered body was taken down from the cross, and placed into the tomb. To see your child, one that you brought into this world, the one that you loved and cared for, stripped of His clothes, humiliated in front of a crowd, and forced to die a painful death, must have been a harrowing experience. It puts into perspective how brutal the Crucifixion was, and how much Jesus, as well as his followers, suffered that fateful day. I think the Jesus suffered all this pain, so that he could understand what it is like to suffer, as so many of us do each day. “Dear Woman, here is your son”. Here is He is indeed
This is rather short, but it does carry a strong message. I liked your use of anaphora at the beginning of your blog and how you carried the verse throughout the whole thing. Your last sentence sums up Easter pretty well. However, you forgot to explain why Holy Week is the climax of the liturgical year. Besides that, this wasn’t bad! Have a blessed Easter!🐰🐰
DeleteJulie, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your piece. Not many others wrote about the “Dear woman, here is your son” word. You did a great job of mentioning Mary’s emotions and point of view as her son took on the suffering for millions of others. I hope you had a wonderful Easter!
DeleteLuke 23:34- “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”
ReplyDeleteThis Bible quote is probably the most popular during the Easter season. It encompasses the idea that we as humans are not perfect and, in fact, actually have no idea what we are doing. We sin because we are human and have been stained with original sin. God granted us the most pure and grateful gift of forgiveness so that we may forgive others and that these mistakes that we make in life will be forgiven by God the Father too. God forgives our sins because he knows our impurities and the fact that we are far from prefect beings. He does this because he loves us; He does this because God is love.
To me, it is extremely important to confess your sins because they will rest on your heart and continue to eat away at your conscience until you have confessed them. When one takes part in reconciliation, they enter with heavy hearts and exit with a freed mind. It is nearly impossible to explain in words all the emotions that are felt walking out of that confessional, but one I can say for certain is that is is euphoric.
T.S. Eliot said it best, “Every moment is a new beginning.” I believe that these new beginnings start when we experience God’s forgiveness everyday; sometimes we see it other people, sometimes we hear it in prayer, sometimes it happens in the most absurd situations. The significance of experiencing God’s forgiveness in a fresh way everyday is incomparable.
Holy Week is the climax of the liturgical year for many reasons, the most important being that it is the entire foundation of the Catholic faith. Jesus died for our us so that our sins would be forgiven, and this is something that is such a strong factor in the Catholic religion. As stated in Luke 23:34, Jesus cries out, “Father, forgive them (...).” Because of these words, the omnipotent power of God was graced on mankind for the sake and gift of forgiveness. All year around we can go to confession and experience this gift but it all comes to a climax during Holy Week because, as Catholics, we prepare for this moment throughout the entire year.
Maddie, i enjoyed reading your essay and seeing your thoughts on Easter. It is also cool to see you and me share a lot of the same values, especially in reconciliation and holy week.
Delete“Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” (Luke 23:46). In his final moments here on earth, Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God and Savior of mankind, placed all His trust into the hands of God the Father while dying on the cross at Golgotha. According to The Oxford English Dictionary, trust is “firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something.” It takes a great deal of trust for someone to keep a secret, but it takes a superhuman amount of trust for an individual to entrust their spirit into another’s hands. Jesus Christ had a firm belief in the reliability, truth, and ability of God the Father, which supports His reasoning for looking to His Father during His hour of death.
ReplyDeleteBecause of its significance concerning the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Holy Week should certainly be considered the climax of the liturgical year. Within three days, Jesus died and arose from the dead. The temple was destroyed, but it was rebuilt again by the third day. This ultimately showed the power of God. Not even death could stop Jesus. On Good Friday, Jesus suffered excruciating pain. He was whipped. He was spat upon. He was called vulgar names. He was placed upon a cross, and several nails were driven through his hands and feet. Although this pain would cause almost any other person to fold, Christ accepted his unjust punishment. In a few of His final words, Jesus looked towards His Father to tell Him that He entrusted His spirit into his Father’s hands. Soon after, He died. On the third day, a Sunday, the tomb that Christ was laid in was discovered empty. Christ had risen! Because it is the day Jesus was found alive after His death, Easter Sunday should be celebrated as the focal point of the liturgical year.
Christ’s life is certainly one to be celebrated. Because Holy Week is the time of Jesus’s life and death and leads to His resurrection, it should be recognized as the most important period of the liturgical year. Jesus provided the perfect example of how to live on earth. Many can learn from what He has done and what He has said. It is especially important to remember those words Christ said while hanging from the cross; “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” (Luke 23:46).
-Regis
This was the only way it would allow me to post my comments....
ReplyDeleteComments:
Bailey Bauer: You did such a good job with your blog this week. It’s interesting that we both share a special moment in Holy Week, the “reset” button. Your blog was so well though out and touching. Good job!
Regis Wortman: Wow, you’re blog was so nicely written. You provided such great resources to refer to throughout this blog. On of my favorite parts of your blog was “not even death could stop the power of God.” Which is so true and so powerful! Nice job!
“Dear woman, here is your son.” (John 19:26) Jesus’s death on the cross was seen by many, but most importantly by His mother. Mary accepted Gods call to bear Jesus into the world and ever since that moment, she knew life for Jesus could never be something ordinary. When Jesus took up his cross, Mary was there watching his suffering and feeling it deep in her heart. Despite the graphic nature of Jesus’s death, she stayed and suffered with him throughout the whole process. Mary’s presence at the cross invokes in me a sense of peace, she was with her Son during the end of his life. Her presence alone had to have been enough to comfort Jesus ever so slightly during his physical suffering. I believe Jesus had to suffer physically because He needed to experience the worst torture to truly understand what He was doing for His people. Once he had risen from the dead, he fully understood the profound meaning of his sacrifice, although during his physical suffering, he struggled to grasp why God would abandon him. Jesus’s death was the greatest sacrifice for mankind, and Mary’s willingness to accept Gods plan was one of immense courage.
ReplyDeleteI like the Bible verse you picked, Anna! At the end, the way you stated, “Jesus’s death was the greatest sacrifice to mankind, and Mary’s willingness to accept Gods plan was one of immense courage,” was absolutely perfect. Good work! Happy Easter! 🐰
DeleteOne more thing, you forgot to argue why Holy Week is the climax of the liturgical year.
Delete“I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)
ReplyDeleteWe could hear these words from the cross as Jesus finally showing us his human side. We could interpret these words simply as a part of the humanity of Jesus. After all, He is suffering a physical death, and experiencing all the pains that go with it, and he is simply thirsty. And we can reason this out because this is coming from the same man who remained silent through his trial, silent through the beatings, silent through the last few days of mind-boggling torture, and perhaps, he has finally had enough of the silence and lets his guard down and shows that he is as human as the rest of us. Why not?
But I believe that Jesus, though physically suffering, was not talking only about physical thirst. Look at the verse from the Gospel of John, “After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to complete/fulfill the scripture), “I thirst.”
It’s the phrase directly before those words that I want to focus on… “And Jesus, seeing that all things were now fulfilled, and in order to make perfect the scripture said ‘I thirst.’” Do you see this? All things were complete, in other words his mission on earth fulfilled; the work he had to do on earth is now finished. And if we look back on Psalm 22 and Psalm 69, we can even make a connection to the scriptures that Jesus is referencing in that phrase.
But I believe that Jesus, always the teacher, always the one to point the way, always the one to help us recognize our own needs and the needs of others, had an additional purpose for choosing those words. I believe that Jesus was giving one final reminder, one final plea from the cross, for us to recognize what his mission was all about. I believe Jesus was giving us one last word... one last way to recognize our own need for a savior, one last way to recognize that we are all truly thirsty.
Stephen
I really like your interpretation of this bible verse, however you did not say why Holy Week is the climax of the liturgical year. Other than that I really enjoyed your blog and how you included specific psalms.
DeleteGood use of other references other than the one provided.
Delete“Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” (Luke 23:46)
ReplyDeleteIt’s hard for me to fully trust and put my life in the hands of God, although I try my best to. I experience God’s salvation through the great family I have and the love I have been given. Through his salvation I understand that he gave his whole self for me, and for the future I will have. Holy Week is the most important week of the liturgical year because it symbolizes the renewal of our baptism. During this week it reminds us of all the sacrifices that Jesus made for us while he was on earth. During this time it is a chance for me, and many other people to have a clean slate or start over. We are sinners, and god realizes this, and that is why he died on the cross. We have to remember that even God let his own son suffer on the cross. This week is always so important because it is a reminder that God will help us alway and is a forgiving God. He will never lead us in the wrong direction, and help us when we need him, I just need to remember this.
The words you chose were very powerful, however it would’ve been better for your argument if you incorporated the analysis of the words into your text instead of just analyzing it.
Delete“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” (Luke 23:34)
ReplyDeleteI will start with another saying as well; "hindsight is 20/20". The Romans and Jewish people at Golgatha didn't know what they were doing. They didn't know they were killing and mocking the son of God. Yet afterwards, they knew what they had done, and were sorrowful for what they done, including the Roman centurions and soldiers. Jesus forgave all of them for what they did, which is unbelievable.
I don't know how the options I choose will I affect my consequences. I don't know what people will be affect by me. Yet if we know we are doing bad and our intentions are bad as well, we should rethink what we are doing. No matter what we do, God will forgive us fortunately. I believe that God will forgive us of anything, only if you really are remorseful for what you've done. It could be anything that we have done, the smallest things or major faults, it will be forgiven. Jesus saved us from our sins on the cross, he died so we could reach eternal life. That is so profound I couldn't even imagine that much sacrifice. This leads to Easter Time and the Triduum, the most important time of our faith. Jesus died, and rose from the dead for you and me. I cannot fathom that idea of someone dying for me. It's unreal to think of that. And this idea of what Easter is centered around. It such an important piece of my faith and many others, and that is why it is a holy time. This is why we should focus more on this time of the year, go to reconciliation, go to mass(go to Easter Vigil for those up for a challenge of not falling asleep), and go deeper into your faith
It’s nice to see how you really feel about Jesus dying for us. Also, great way of recognizing Christians as a whole using pronouns such as “we” and us.”
DeleteAnfrony, as Grace said, it's great how you gave us your views on someone dying for you. A lot of times people just blow it off and let the fact that Jesus died for them go in one ear and out the other.
DeleteStephen
“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing” (Luke 23:34). Sometimes, it is hard to believe that God forgives all of my sins, even the gravest of offenses. Even though I have not murdered anyone or committed any sin/crime of that nature, there are still mortal sins on my heart which I feel can no be forgiven. However, through God’s compassion, he forgives them all and I can start fresh. One practice I can do to limit my lack of judgment is pray to God and ask for forgiveness. However, I do not take time on a regular basis to confess my sins so that I may enjoy the freedom of forgiveness. Even today, I need to experience God’s forgiveness in a fresh way.
ReplyDeleteDuring the liturgical calendar, the Church goes through six seasons: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Triduum, Easter, and Ordinary Time. However, the climax of the liturgical year consists of two seasons: the Triduum and Easter. Holy Week, for Christians, should be recognized as the most important time of the year due to all of the chaos that ensues and the final results of it. Holy Week begins on the Monday following Palm Sunday and lasts up to and including Easter Sunday. The real fun begins on Holy Thursday, when Jesus and his disciples have the Last Supper. The Last Supper is the event where we base Holy Communion off of. Following the Last Supper, Jesus goes through the Agony in the Garden where Judas betrays Jesus. This leads into Good Friday which is the day Jesus is crucified. This day is a day of sorrow but also joy knowing that Jesus will rise again. Saturday is somewhat of a slow-paced day as the disciples are mourning the loss of Jesus. However, Sunday is when Jesus rises from the dead and Simon Peter and John come across his empty tomb. Holy Week is the climax of the liturgical year because by the death and Resurrection of Christ, we Christians are able to enter the gates of Heaven.
Gabe, I liked your essay. I also like how you laid everything out and explained each piece, and maybe cleared up some areas for some people.
Delete“Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” (Luke 23:46)
ReplyDeleteThe circle of the life of Christ is complete; the spirit, the breath of life given to Jesus at his birth by God, now returns to God as Jesus is dying. As Jesus is breathing his last breath, he is doing it with trust that God will catch this breath and is waiting on the other side, ready to welcome him home. This word tradition calls ‘the word of reunion’. Father and Son are reunited, they become one again. This reunion also foreshadows the reunion that humanity will experience with God, the restoration of the unbroken and unblemished relationship with God, the homecoming to paradise. This is a promise that all are given. Given this information, Holy Week is the climax of the liturgical year. There is a full reunion of all parts of the trinity. Of course the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one God in three Divine Persons, but they join again in reunion with one another as the life of Jesus on earth comes to an end. The suffering, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus is a series of climactic events in itself. Jesus put his life in God’s hands, so why shouldn’t I? God has a plan for all people. Once time on earth is over, people no longer have a say in what happens. Life after death is solely in God’s hands. Through life today, I experience God’s salvation through Christ in the smallest, but most meaningful acts. Although the act that Jesus made for the rest of human kind is nothing small, but through various miraculous deeds for others, God’s salvation through Christ is apparent.
“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”
ReplyDeleteThis statement carries a lot of weight with it, and especially exhibits the unconditional forgiveness of the Lord. This act of mercy gives a great example for all people, reinforcing the concept “turning the cheek.”
Jesus, part of the Holy Trinity, completed many great deeds during his lifetime. His virtues of humility, mercy, and kindness resonated throughout His lifetime. One great example of Jesus’ holiness is found during Holy Week, the most important time during the liturgical year. This week is is the pinnacle of the Catholic year, because of the many notable events during this time. On Sunday, Jesus was welcomed as a king in Jerusalem. During his time preparing for the Passover, Jesus cleansed the temples which were filled with greedy salesman. The important events occurred during the Triduum, which is a liturgical season in it’s own. Jesus suffered, died, and resurrected from the dead. This is clearly an important season because all of these events were mentioned in the Nicene and Apostle’s Creeds. These creeds are the basis of our faith, clarifying Holy Week as the most important season of the year.