Seven Last Words audiobook

My original intention with this book was to read reflection each week of Lent as a way to set up a devotional schedule. This did not go according to plan with other books, COVID, and forgetfulness getting in the way. I ended up reading 3/4 of this book on Good Friday and it was a beautiful way to intentionally meditate on the day. Part of why I love Fr. Martin is his ability to write complicated theology simply while not leaving out any of the important doctrine. Instead, he delves into the nitty gritty and walks with the reader through each of Jesus' seven last words. Fr. Martin's writing style and Jesuit training present a book that has Jesus' mission in mind, to meet each person where they are. In each chapter, he presents several different scenarios and perspectives as a way to get the reader into the headspace of Good Friday. I have struggled with much of my life to see how Jesus could understand or care about me since I wasn't "super religious" in the sense that I haven't read the whole Bible or live and breathe Catholic media. Fr. Martin's writings (along with others) have shown me that this is not what makes someone important in God's eyes but that all are important and valid simply because they exist. This book was a quick read and could have been easily read in one day. I intend to use it as a Lenten/Good Friday devotion in years to come!

Father James Martin is a wonderful storyteller. This slim volume is based on a service he preached on the seven last words (sayings) of Jesus. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who wants to think faithfully about Good Friday and the death of Jesus on a cross. This book would also be good inspiration for a preacher.

Profunda y muy aplicable reflexión del mensaje final de Cristo en la cruz.

One of my goals this year is to read more religious / faith based books (not a hard task given that "more" here essentially amounts to "any"), and I thought this would be a good one to start with knowing some about Father Martin. I was not disappointed.

Another good book from Fr. Martin Though not as complex as his other books, this newest publication is an excellent devotional for Good Friday. I'm glad Fr. Martin was prompted to collect these meditations in book form, especially for those of us who didn't listen to him during the Good Friday service at St. Patrick's Cathedral. I am especially grateful, as usual, for his humor and sincerity.

From an early age I discounted myself. "I am abandoned. I am nothing. What's next?" "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" Feeling the suffering of Jesus on his cross, I asked God why. I did feel abandoned by my dad: not as a childish belief.Perhaps there is solace in suffering here as well for you. Seven Last Words is awesome.

The perfect book to listen to during my Holy Week walks and travels.

Seven Last Words: An Invitation to a Deeper Friendship with Jesus by Rev. James Marin, SJ, is a brilliant short book full of fresh insight to Christ’s final statements on the cross as written throughout the Gospels. Martin takes the reader on a compelling journey through each of the seven statements which testifies to both the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ. If you have ever wondered who Jesus was and is as a person, the author gives a holistic perspective of Christ as a divine God and as Jesus of Nazareth, the simple man, son, neighbor, and carpenter. In this light, Jesus Christ becomes relatable to all people in any situation. This book inspires readers as it demonstrates that Jesus was also a man and understands firsthand our struggles, fears, and joys in mortal life. It exemplifies the notion that Christ knows and has lived our unique circumstances, so we are not alone in our difficult times, even if we feel like we are. Reverend James Martin, SJ invites readers to get to know Jesus and recognize the joy, not just the suffering, that was Christ’s life. From this perspective on the last seven statements, we learn the most important lessons that Christ wanted to teach us during his time on earth: who he is, who we are, and what our relationship is with him and with each other. Whether you are looking to start or strengthen your relationship with Jesus, soul searching, wanting peace amidst a difficult trial, exploring new perspectives on the topic, or hunting for something new to read, I highly recommend this book. This read is a perfect way to come to know and remember Jesus Christ, especially during this Easter season. After reading this book, I realized that I can connect with Jesus Christ on a very personal level. I can talk to him honestly about how I feel, and when I do not know what to say, he understands that too. Martin reminded me to find Christ’s joy and apply it to my own life. Even though his life was full of suffering, Jesus laughed, he smiled, he loved, and he loved me enough to be that person I can turn to in any and every situation.

Fr. Martin is my favorite Catholic writer. He is filled with warmth and humor and has such a wonderful way of explaining things. My favorite book of his is The Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything and also A Pilgrimage With Jesus. This book was not in the category of those, but still worthwhile. It is based on a homily he gave at St. Patrick’s on Good Friday 2015. It is a short book, and a good way to help you reflect on Jesus. I happened to read it during Lent, but I think it is good at any time. Fr. Martin talks about how the majority of Jesus’ life was filled with joy, especially healing the sick and even bringing the dead back to life. The 7 last “words” are “father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do”; “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise”; “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”; “Woman, here is your son...here is your mother.”; “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; “I am Thirsty”; and “It is Finished.” He also suggests you remember to let your guard down when you pray. Be honest and tell Jesus all of your struggles. That is what he thirsts for.

This is another book that I read for a Christian Education series at church. It was a good choice, I must say, but, then, I really do like Father James Martin as a writer, so that was kind of a forgone conclusion. It is also an ideal Lent book, which is why we did it, with the added twist of getting some speakers to reflect on the words on their own as well. This book originates in a series of reflections which Father Martin made on the Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ, during his crucifixion. The seven words (or sayings) are dispersed through Matthew, Luke and John as statements of Christ from the Cross. Martin reflects on them and applies them to various aspects of the Christian life. I know that that sounds pretty flat as a description, but the reflections are touching, occasionally funny and often profound. I appreciated Father Martin's insights and really enjoyed reading them. This is a book to read slowly and reflectively. It is, as I said, ideal for Lent or Holy Week. And it is really quite short. Take your time with this and I think you'll see the benefits.

Fr. James Martin continues to be one of my favorite authors. His ability to connect with me through books like Between Heaven and Mirth, encouraging me to find the laughter and joy of life, is no less poignant than this incredible and sobering work, Seven Last Words. His command of crafting deep and profound truths of faith continually has me seeking the next book of his that I can find.Although I quickly absorbed this book in a just a few days I would highly commend it to anyone as a Lenten discipline or group discussion guide. As he mentions in the book, this came as part of a Good Friday service, I commend this to any who want to deepen their own walk during the reflective and holy season of Lent in some way.Fr. Martin, THANK YOU!! You continue to inspire and help me in my own spiritual disciplines.

Everyone who is a Christian or thinking about becoming a Christian should read this! I've never read a book that so clearly and concisely communicates how intensely Jesus understands us. Christ is both human and divine, yet so often we focus on the divine elements (such as the miracles). In this book, Fr. Martin does an incredible job of illustrating the ways in which Jesus was human. I can't recommend this book enough.

A Holy Week "Must Read"Never before have I encountered Jesus so personally, so human...so much like me. How easily we forget that though he was divine, he was also "just a man." Too often we simplify Jesus' humanity to an unremarkable detail, when in fact, it's his humanity that is the ultimate assurance that we are truly understood and accompanied. Courtesy of Fr. Martin's insights, I am meeting Jesus anew this Good Friday.

Every time I read James Martin, SJ, I learn and grow. He either confirms what I know or brings up something that makes me see from another angle. I appreciate his stories, his insight and his knowledge. James Martin, SJ, is not afraid to make his writings fun and joyful even while discussing topics of importance. He also shares some great stories in his writings. This book was no exception. Read in one sitting, I want to go back to it time and again, as I do with his other books.