Tag Archives: Seven Last Words

Holy Week

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Rosalind C Hughes

Seven days. Seven shades of suffering silence. Seven last words: thirst, famine, fever, finality, yet, too, there is forgiveness, family, a future spit from split lips, a dry tongue still willing to kiss the face of God

Posted in holy days, poetry, prayer | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The penultimate last word

Posted on March 25, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

“It is finished.” Hurry, Jesus. Hurry to the appointment you have made to duel death. Hasten the darkening sky, that  a false dawn may break early; that you may fell the great destroyer. The soldiers come with mallets and spear, we hear … Continue reading →

Posted in holy days, poetry, prayer | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The fifth last word

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

As the frog seeks its spawning ground, I yearn for the waters of new life. As the child wails for its mother’s breast, I crave your loving tenderness. As the hunger striker is starved of a reprieve, I cry out … Continue reading →

Posted in holy days, poetry, prayer | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The fourth last word

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Life shines in the dark lens of your countenance. When you hide your face, all die, and return to the earth. Was it dust or grief, guilt or love that made … Continue reading →

Posted in holy days, poetry, prayer | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The third last word

Posted on March 22, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciples, “Here is your mother.” There is no changing one body … Continue reading →

Posted in holy days, poetry, prayer | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The second last word

Posted on March 21, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

“Today, you will be with me in paradise…” I went to paradise once, before it was washed away. The Flood that was never meant to happen again consumed the golden sands, devoured the prayers of Allah’s faithful people. Their floating … Continue reading →

Posted in holy days, meditation | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The first last word

Posted on March 20, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

                                          Father, forgive them   – not yet, Jesus. Give us time.  We are in no hurry for new life. Give … Continue reading →

Posted in meditation, poetry, prayer | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Liturgy of the Palms and the Passion

Posted on March 29, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

Why did Jesus have to die?
Because none of us should be able to say to God, it’s ok for you; you got off easy. Try my life for a change. Or when we do, at least we will know that God, who neither slumbers nor sleeps, is right there with us, saying yes, yes my child, I know. Continue reading →

Posted in holy days, homily, sermon | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dereliction

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Rosalind C Hughes

Waiting for a sign from a sky bolted shut – the falling dove, Elijah and the Prophet shining – a sign that all is not lost or forgotten but still beloved; the child’s cry – “Why?” – to a stubborn … Continue reading →

Posted in poetry | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Last words

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Rosalind C Hughes

This is a meditation delivered at a service of the Seven Last Words at Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland, Good Friday 2009, revisited today in honour of Holy Week and in memory of Joyce.  – Woman, behold your son: behold your mother … Continue reading →

Posted in homily | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment