From the pulpit of the Cross, Christ gave His final and most stirring sermon: His seven last words. Read on for Saint Bonaventure’s meditation, prayer, and hymn on the first of these words: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
“Pater, ignosce illis, quia nesciunt quid faciunt.”
“And when they had come to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified Him there; and the robbers, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. And Jesus said: ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’”
—Luke 23:33–34
Saint Bonaventure’s Meditation on the First Word
There are “Seven Words” (or pronouncements) which Christ uttered while elevated upon the cross, which may be likened to seven rich and verdant leaves springing forth upon a mystical vine [the cross itself being this spiritual vine]. Again, the wood of the cross may be likened to the frame of a lyre, and these Seven Words imagined to be the seven strings extended upon it. The first words of the crucified Jesus were when He said:
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
O leaf, wonderfully green and vibrant! How marvelously these words of mercy befit the incarnate Word of the eternal Father! For the good Master here does exactly what He taught. He prays not only for His friends and supporters, but for His enemies and for those who persecute and torment Him.
O reader, treasure this precious leaf zealously within the depths of your heart! Then, whenever you are afflicted by any enemy, you will be able to summon to your mind the memory of the abundant sweetness of the supremely merciful Jesus. You will be able to use this saying as a powerful shield against any insults which may be directed against you, and any aspersions cast upon you. The divine Spouse prayed for those who killed Him: will you not pray for those who insult and criticize you?
Let us examine this prayer of Christ more diligently. “Father,” He says. Why does He place the name “Father” here? Children typically use the word “Father” when asking for some affectionate favor, because by doing so they bring to mind the natural bond of paternal love which unites them with their parent. Thus Jesus, the compassionate and merciful Lord, although He knew that His voice was always heard by the Father, chooses to use this intimate form of address here, in order to make manifest to us how much sincerity and love we should feel in praying for our enemies. It is as if He says, “Father, through the paternal and filial love by which we are eternally one, I pray for these, my killers. Remember Your love for Me, and forget the sins of my foes!”
Saint Bonaventure’s Poem
Jesus, saving victim;
Jesus, atoning sacrifice;
Jesus, safe refuge for the anguished and afflicted!
For the sake of the human race, You have redeemed the captive;
You have led us forth from the sorrows of our earthly exile;
You have taken our guilt upon Your own sacred shoulders!
And not only this, but You have united us to God Himself
In an eternal and indissoluble union.
The chains You did not refuse, nor the scourges, nor the blows.
You did not flee from the gallows of the malefactor,
Nor did You seek to escape receiving the holy wounds
By which our wounds are healed.
When You were held to the cross,
And the enemy snarled savagely against You,
When the hammer struck, and the nail pierced Your holy flesh,
When pain and anguish overwhelmed You,
Then You implored the Father with suppliant prayer,
That He should forgive even those who crucified You, saying:
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Saint Bonaventure’s Prayer
O gentle patience, and patient gentleness,
O infinite mercy, O infinite kindness!
As a gentle Lamb, You proffer no complaint,
And as a loving mother, You seek to excuse the wrongs of Your children.
With Your most sweet soul, You offer only benevolence;
With Your most merciful will, You display only forgiveness.
Unto You, the hopes of my souls all fly;
Unto You, the sighs of my heart all ascend.
To You flow all my tears,
And the desperate yearnings of my heart’s cry to You, O Jesus:
“Forgive me, Lord, forgive me,
For very I often I know not what I do!” Amen.
Saint Bonaventure’s Hymn
In the Lord’s most holy cross,
Which restored sweet Eden’s loss,
Bides a refuge ever sure,
Truest hope of hearts made pure!
Let us ever mindful be
Of Christ’s doleful agony,
Of the crown of thorns He wore—
Torments which for us He bore,
And the wounds in limbs and side,
Pouring forth love’s crimson tide;
Whips and gall and bitter wine
Proffered to those lips divine!
In such things, let hearts be sunk—
Lost, inebriated, drunk!
Let the cross’s branch take root
In our souls, and bear rich fruit.
Let us honor fervently
That redeeming gallows tree,
And, amongst the saints, Christ’s praise
Peal with joy for endless days!
ooo
This article is taken from a chapter in The Seven Last Words of Christ by Saint Bonaventure which is available from TAN Books.