Prologue

Commenting on James 2:19 ("You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!”), the late Fr Guillermo Tejon, OP explained that demons shudder because they do not have hope. How about us? In a society characterized by power, prestige, perversion, and pleasure, not fitting into these could make us an outcast. In a culture that glorifies success, the idea of failure is totally unacceptable. In a lifestyle that is presumptuous, the thought of God’s mercy is unthinkable. In all situations, we could easily be tempted to lose hope. If we are losing hope, the Crucified Jesus beckons us to return to Calvary and see for ourselves how He, despite His predicament, stayed confident to His Father and focused on His Passion and Death leading to His Resurrection. United with Mary, Mother of Sorrows, let us then humble our hearts and be refreshed with the hope-ful Seven Last Words of Christ. Remember, “Hope does not disappoint”. (Rm 5:5).

Pietro S. Albano

Former Editor-in-Chief, Member

Editorial Board

www.anluwage.com

Epilogue

 

Beneath the cross, we bow in adoration before You, Lord Jesus.

Your whole life was a life spent in love. In Your hidden life, You allowed that love to be nurtured. In Your public ministry, You courageously proclaimed it to all without exception. 

Thank You for Your Seven Last Words, O Christ. May they give us consolation in these challenging times. May they also wake us up from the long sleep of apathy, selfishness, and lack of discernment. 

In Your love, save our world, our country, Your people.

One with Mary, we make this prayer. Amen.

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Thank you, sisters and brothers, for joining in our Holy Week special. Thank you also to our writers from across the world who contributed their reflections in our Holy Week special this year. Refreshed and nurtured by Jesus' Seven Last Words, let us proclaim His love to all. God bless!