Who of us can possibly imagine the excruciating pain of being crucified? But further, who would imagine that in the midst of this ghastly punishment that brings on unrelenting headaches and mental disorientation, a crucified man would actually give thought to the needs of others? This book explores in detail the nature of crucifixion and then invites the reader to listen in stunned silence to the amazing seven sayings of Jesus of Nazareth while hanging on the cross, as he focuses his attention on others in the first three sayings, and only then on his own distressing situation. His last four sayings give expression to his utter spiritual and physical anguish and conclude with a cry of victory and then a cry in which he commits himself to God.

The Seven Words from the Cross are the focus of Christian meditation through the ages. Set to music by Haydn, they epitomise the depth of Jesus's human expereience and thus speak most profoundly to the human condition. Each meditation is illustrated with a picture of Christ on the Cross. Many are old masters;some more modern. The object is to lead the reader deeply into prayer and contemplation. But there is nothing fusty about Radcliffe's text. Whatever he writes is a breath of fresh air and these meditations are modern and contemporary in their reference. There are also many autobiographical touches which make these meditations more personal. This is perfect Lent reading by a spiritual master and one of the few Christian prophets in our time.

In Cross-Shattered Christ, theologian Stanley Hauerwas offers a moving reflection on Jesus's final words from the cross. This small and powerful volume is theologically poignant and steeped in humility. Hauerwas's pithy discussion opens our ears to the language of Scripture while opening our hearts to a truer vision of God. Touching in original and surprising ways on subjects such as praying the Psalms and our need to be remembered by Jesus, Hauerwas emphasizes Christ's humanity as well as the sheer "differentness" of God. Ideal for personal devotion during Lent and throughout the year, Cross-Shattered Christ offers a transformative reading of Jesus's words that goes directly to the heart of the gospel.

Examine for yourself the historical context of your Christian faith as seen through first-century eyes, so you can clearly say with Paul, "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Galatians 6:14).

“Spiritually rewarding and uplifting.” — Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York New York Times bestselling author and editor at large of America magazine Father James Martin reveals how we can turn to Christ completely in mind, heart, and soul. Martin offers a portrait of Jesus, using his last words on the cross to reveal how deeply he understood our predicaments and shows us what it means to be fully human. Each meditation is dedicated to one of the seven sayings: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” “Woman, this is your son” . . . “This is your mother.” “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” “I thirst.” “It is finished.” “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” With the warmth, wisdom, and grace that infuse his works, Father James Martin explains why Jesus’s crucifixion and death on the cross is an important teaching moment in the Gospels. Jesus’s final statements, words that are deeply cherished by his followers, exemplify the depth of his suffering but also provide a key to his empathy and why we can connect with him so deeply.