Discover how the cross delivers everything the world needs most. Freedom, forgiveness, justice, and purpose. We long for them in our lives and in the world. The cross delivers them! Yet sometimes we are so familiar with the cross that it loses its impact on us. We forget that Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection are the most important events in human history and our lives. The cross is the fulfillment of God’s salvation plan, promised from the dawn of time. It is central to the Bible, central to our faith, and central to the meaning and purpose of our lives. This foundational book looks at passages from both the Old and New Testaments to sum up the victory of the cross in four words: freedom, forgiveness, justice, and purpose, and what that means for us personally. Marvel at the cross afresh and be moved to love and serve the Lord Jesus with renewed zeal and joy. This short yet profound book is a very useful discipleship tool. It can be read individually, in pairs, or in small groups.

Jesus died on the cross to save us. That is the turning point of history, the climax of the Bible and the heart of the Christian faith. Yet it is possible to become so familiar with the cross that it loses its impact on us. This book invites you to marvel at the death of Jesus and all that it achieved. Immerse yourself in God's salvation plan and enjoy the true freedom, forgiveness, justice, and purpose which we find only at the cross. Book jacket.

Behold me, now, for the fourth year, preparing for my death. Having withdrawn from the business of the world to a place of repose, I give myself up to the meditation of the Sacred Scriptures, and to writing the thoughts that occur to me in my meditations; so that if I am no longer able to be of use by word of mouth, or the composition of voluminous works, I may at least be of some use to my brethren, by these pious little books. Whilst then I was reflecting as to what would be the most eligible subject both to prepare me to die well, and to assist others to live well, the Death of our Lord occurred to me, together with the last sermon which the Redeemer of the world preached from the Cross, as from an elevated pulpit, to the human race.

The cross is regarded as Jesus Christ’s great work of salvation. But is it also a work of creation? Excitingly plumbing Scripture and Christian tradition, Andrew McGowan shows that it is. “Each of Jesus’s seven words from the cross can be understood as a creative act, as a new divine work,” he writes. From the cross, Jesus works forgiveness, bestows Paradise, enacts human relationship, identifies completely with humanity, fulfills Scripture, and reenacts Sabbath. From early days, Christians—for good reason—linked the original seven days of creation with creation and re-creation at the apex of salvation. Seven Last Words recovers this linkage in all its power and perennial freshness. But that is not all. In addition to surveying the seven last words Jesus spoke, McGowan insists that at the cross “the eternal Word not only speaks, but listens.” And so he turns to the “conversations” spoken not only from but to the cross. Here he opens new vistas on the words of Judas, Dismas (the criminal crucified beside Jesus), Mary, God the Father, Longinus (the centurion), and Nicodemus, and ruminates fascinatingly on the accompanying silence of the angels. Profound and endlessly edifying, Seven Last Words will richly repay reading and rereading.

Hese Meditations on the Seven Last Words of Christ, accompanied by reflection questions and prayer, will deepen Holy Week's meaning for individuals and congregations. Each of Jesus' last words casts light on his saving work and confronts us with our need to receive and act upon the gift offered by his death. Charcoal illustrations by Jan L. Richardson enhance each day's meditation. The meditations were born out of Peter Storey's almost four decades of ministry in South Africa. During that time, the church had to learn a Cross-shaped ministry under the shadow of apartheid. Book jacket.

I have read the Rev. Anthony Mbanefo's work entitled Seven Words of Jesus on the Cross, and I found it to be well-written and beneficial to Catholics worldwide, seeking to have a deep meditation on the meaning of our Lord's passion. I want to encourage pastoral agents to read the book and to promote its reading. Rev. Dr. Jorge R. Colón, STD, Ph D, D Div This book is a reliable companion to Christians who want to explore the hidden treasure of the life, suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Fr Mbanefo's reflection helps readers to understand the mystery of suffering in a very profound and realistic way. The exposition is a call to authentic discipleship rooted in a true love of Jesus Christ and faith in the power of his cross. I recommend this book to all those who want to grow in intimacy with Jesus Christ and to respond properly to the day to day challenges of life. +The Most Reverend J. Kevin Boland Bishop Emeritus of Savannah