On a beautiful Saturday, Bishop Emeritus Teemu Sippo led a retreat in St. Henry’s Cathedral, which gathered dozens of participants. The Mass, welcome coffee, and the Lord’s Prayer quieted us to notice our fellow travelers and focus on what is essential.
The message of the retreat was timely, offering reflection also for other members of the diocese as we journey toward Easter.
Seven Words on the Cross
The theme of the first meditation was the seven words Jesus spoke on the cross. These words and phrases reflect the suffering of Jesus. Over the centuries, they have been repeated both in literature and, for example, through Bach’s music.
The final words of a dying person carry special significance in the hearts of their loved ones. According to the Bishop Emeritus, “they are like a testament for the future.” That is why Jesus’ last words have been preserved as a spiritual testament and a summary of his mission in the world.
Crucifixion is a brutal method of execution. It involves extreme suffering, torture, contempt, and cruelty. Jesus knew what was about to happen, and he too feared death as he prayed in Gethsemane and sweated drops of blood.
“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”
Although Jesus was mocked and scourged, he did not threaten, nor did he defend himself. Instead, he forgave. “Forgive and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). A Christian should be a bearer of reconciliation, not someone that takes revenge. Otherwise, love turns into hatred and bitterness.
“Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise”
Two thieves were crucified beside Jesus, one on each side. One of them withdrew into himself, but the other defended Jesus, turned to him, and asked: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” At the last moment, Jesus forgave the thief on his right. Paradise is not a place but a state of being. Paradise is wherever Jesus is.
If you do not know how to pray, at least say, “Jesus, remember me,” summarized Bishop Emeritus Teemu.
“Woman, behold, your son,” to the disciple He said: “Behold your mother”
Many of Jesus’ friends had withdrawn because they did not want to witness his death. At the foot of the cross stood John, Mother Mary, and a few other women. They represented those who endure, but also those who cannot. They showed that compassionate love is especially enduring. Mary became the mother of a new family. She became the mother of all believers. John became the representative of all disciples.
In these words of Jesus, the Church was set in motion, intended for the whole world and born at Pentecost.
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
This cry begins the final stage of suffering. It also begins Psalm 22, and it is possible that Jesus himself prayed in similar words.
These words reflect what people feel when they cannot endure their suffering—those who think God has abandoned them or who have lost a child or spouse. They may see no way out and may blame God or even those who seem more fortunate.
Through this cry, Jesus unites himself with the suffering of all and begins to descend into the realm of death. When he descends into the underworld, we know that God is present there as well. Psalm 61 includes the hope: “From the ends of the earth* I call; my heart grows faint. Raise me up, set me on a rock, for you are my refuge.” At the end of funerals, when “In Paradisum” is sung, it also contains the hope: “May the angels lead you into Paradise.”
“I thirst!”
Jesus’ fifth word on the cross includes, besides physical suffering, a profound spiritual meaning: He thirsted for more than water, even though we may understand it as physical thirst. In response to His request, He was given vinegar on a sponge.
People try to quench their thirst with various things without understanding that only a connection with Jesus and the Church can quench true thirst. “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13–14). Many in life seem to receive vinegar instead of water.
The blood that flowed from Christ’s side symbolizes the Eucharist, and the water symbolizes Baptism. These are two sources of life given to us in the form of sacraments. Water is the source of love and life that never runs dry: “Christus fons vitae.”
“It is finished”
Jesus’ path has now been completed: He has emptied himself to give Himself to us. He gave up his Spirit, offering it to God for the sake of humanity. On the crucifix, Jesus is depicted with his head bowed, His life flowing to humanity. Our task is to strive to free ourselves from the limitations that prevent us from being in communion with God.
We are called to continue the acts of salvation accomplished by Christ. Our death, too, is not eternal, because Jesus has already completed everything.
“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”
With this cry, Jesus once again turns his gaze to his Father.
When we again look at the crucifix, we understand that the position of Jesus’ hands is symbolic. He spreads his arms and embraces humanity. This is connected to worship, brotherhood, and service to others.
Prayer does not require words; silence itself can be prayer. Yet Jesus’ final sentence is also familiar from Psalm 31, which is read during Compline. In it, we return everything that has happened during the day—and ourselves—back to God. This is also what we do at the end of life. In the words of Psalm 4: “In peace I will lie down and fall asleep, for you alone, Lord, make me secure.”
Adoration
The adoration held during the retreat ended with the hymn “Where there is love, there is God.” The beautiful hymn reminds us that God’s presence becomes concrete wherever there is genuine, self-sacrificing love and works of mercy.
Meditation on James 1:16b–18
Spring has not yet arrived in Finland, even though the March Saturday was warm and sunny. It is not yet time to open the window and let spring flow in.
The Bishop Emeritus referred to a text by Professor Bernard Welte, which he had translated from German and which echoes the Letter of James. He noted that spring and the light it brings are always a new beginning that touches the heart directly. He also observed that “the first” is considered special, whether it is the first day of spring or the first spring flower. Spring points to the Father and his radiance, but it also speaks of how the Father, according to His will, has given us birth so that we might be with Him.
God has invented spring to persuade us to notice the hidden good seed among stones and gravel. In this poor soil, joy and light are concealed.
Our Bishop Emeritus concluded this fine Lenten retreat by stating that the morning light and the splendor of spring invite us to receive the word of God. Beautiful words straight to the heart.
Christel Monni