Hi, I'm Dr. Scott Hahn, and I want to welcome you to the St. Paul Center, down in our studio, surrounded by my coworkers.

We're going to be spending some time together looking carefully at the seven last

sayings of Christ.

Of course, they're scattered through the four Gospels, and we should be familiar with them.

As Catholics, as Christians, at the same time, I think we're aware of the fact that these are

inexhaustibly deep, profound, and moving. These seven last words of our Savior. I also want to

introduce you to an eight-week series that we'll be doing together through Lent on these

seven sayings. Why eight then?

Well, the first episode is going to be an introduction and an overview, just to re-familiarize

ourselves with this great tradition. So when we speak of the seven last sayings of Jesus,

what are we talking about? Well, first, I want to walk through

them with you, just so you get the lay of the land. First, from Luke 2334, Father, forgive them,

for they know not what they're doing. Second, Luke 23, verse 43. Truly, amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.

Third, in John 19, verses 26 and 27, behold your son. Behold your mother.

Fourth, from both Matthew 2746 and Mark 1534,

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Number five, taken from John 1928, I thirst.

Number six, from John 19, verse 30, it is finished.

And finally, number seven, from Luke 23, 46, Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit.

Now, I think we all recognize the fact that a person's final words prior to his death,

or as death approaches, are generally regarded as having deep significance.

Oftentimes, they reflect what is on the heart of that one who is dying.

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