The Last Words of Jesus
Friday, 03 April 2015 09:22
THE Christian world (around 90 percent of the 100 million Filipinos are Christians), once again
observes the Passion or sufferings of Jesus, his Death on the cross and his Resurrection on the
third day.
Easter is the most meaningful Christian Holiday.
Next to the birth of Jesus in December, Holy Week is next in terms of solemnity and rituals or
practices on the part of observers and believers.
There are actual crucifixions being performed every Good Friday in the Philippines, which have
become tourist attractions.
But, those are done as personal sacrifices “to atone for wrongdoings” or to thank Jesus for
blessings and healings received.
I’d like to deal on the last words or sayings of Jesus Christ while he was suffering on the cross
shortly before his final breath.
1/6
The Last Words of Jesus
Friday, 03 April 2015 09:22
As we know, there are seven last words that Jesus uttered.
These could be found in the following Books of the Bible:
The seven sayings form part of a Christian meditation that is often used during Good Friday.
These last words are:
Luke 23:34: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.
Luke 23:43: Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.
John 19:26–27: Woman, behold your son. Son Behold your mother.
Matthew 27:46 & Mark 15:34 My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?
John 19:28: I thirst.
John 19:29-30: It is finished.
Luke 23:46: Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.
2/6
The Last Words of Jesus
Friday, 03 April 2015 09:22
According to Wikipedia, traditionally, these seven sayings are called words of 1. Forgiveness 2.
Salvation 3. Relationship 4. Abandonment 5. Distress 6. Triumph and 7. Reunion.
***
When I was growing up as a young Catholic in my hometown of Hagonoy, Bulacan, I used to
watch the Good Friday rituals on the streets, the male self-flagellants hitting their bleeding
backs with bamboo sticks tied in rope.
Our province of Bulacan is known for Tagalog poets, like Francisco Baltazar and Marcelo del
Pilar.
I’d like to share with our readers part of a long Tagalog poem about the fourth word of Jesus:
“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”
My childhood friend and kababayan Robert Dionisio, who is popular in Facebook as Obet
Dionisio lives in Australia.
One Holy Week, his parish priest asked Obet to interpret one of the last words of Jesus for
Good Friday delivery in their church.
Obet thought of interpreting the 4th Word through poetry in Tagalog.
I’m sharing only part because it is quite lengthy.
3/6
The Last Words of Jesus
Friday, 03 April 2015 09:22
AMA KO, BAKIT MO AKO PINABAYAAN
Ama Ko, bakit Mo Ako pinabayaan
Pang-apat na salita na Kanyang binitiwan
Patungkol sa Ama, sa kalangitan
Pahimakas sa tao, sa sankalibutan.
Si Kristo Hesus, sa krus ay nakabayubay
Sa Ama tumawag, kahit katawan ay lupaypay
Ngunit sino nga ba ang totoo niyang pakay
Di ba ang tao, upang tayo ay maakay?
Sa Kanyang paghihirap at nalalabing lakas
Ang salitang ito, di Niya binigkas
Upang sisihin ang Amang tunay at likas
Kundi upang tayo, sa kadakilaan ay umangkas.
Ang salitang ito ay isang panawagan
Sa lahat ng Ama, sa sandaigdigan
Sa iyo, sa akin, sa kamag-anak at kaibigan
Paala-ala sa ating mga pananagutan.
Ano nga ba ang tunay na ibig sabihin
Ng mga huling salita, huling tagubilin
Ito nga ngayon ay ating paglimi-limiin
Ang bawat patungkol ay ating suriin.
Sa Eden nilikha ng Diyos si Eba at Adan
At kay Adan ibinigay ang ganitong katungkulan
4/6
The Last Words of Jesus
Friday, 03 April 2015 09:22
Pagkain ng iyong anak, iyong pagpapawisan
Pagtuturo at pagpapalaki, ikaw rin ang magpapasan.
Sapat na ba ang anak ay iyong pakainin
Ibili ng gamit, mararangyang bihisin
Lahat ng magustuhan, iyong bibilhin
Ito ba ang batayan ng amang butihin?
Ang ibig sabihin ng ating Panginoon
Kung saan ka nang-galing at saan ka paroroon
Ang iyong mga hakbang, daanan nila ay doon
Kung putik ang dinaanan, pareho kayong mababaon.
Ang iyong mga gawi ay kanilang gagayahin
Ang iyong mga salita, kanilang sasambitin
Ikaw ang mag-aakay sa lahat ng lakarin
Kung mali ang landas mo, tuloy kayo sa bangin...
***
Local event. Rev. Gaudy Soriano and Rev. E.J. Rapada cordially invite you to attend the 40th
Founding Anniversary of the Association of Christian Evangelists (ACE) International and the
27th Founding Anniversary and Awards Night of the National Association of Filipino Americans New Jersey on April 25, 2015 (Saturday) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m at Step-By-StepDanceport, 24
New Bridge Road, Bergenfield, NJ 07621 USA.
In support to this event, they request a donation of $40/person; $70/couple; and $10/child to
defray food.
5/6
The Last Words of Jesus
Friday, 03 April 2015 09:22
Proceeds will be used for educational programs and other charitable projects of the
associations.
Contact Rev. Emiljun Rapada at 732.318.9469 and Rev Giovanni Paquit at 554.574.3544 or
you can also e-mail them at: [email protected].
***
BLESSED EASTER TO ALL!
[email protected]
6/6