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The Seven Words on the Cross
Cardinal Robert Bellarmine was a Jesuit priest, and one of the most important figures of the Counter Reformation, a period of Catholic revival which started after the Council of Trent in the middle of the 16th century. Canonized in 1930 and declared a Doctor of the Church a year later, his feast day is on September 17th.
66 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1618
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Robert Bellarmine
360 books37 followersSaint Robert Bellarmine, SJ was an Italian bishop, cardinal, theologian, and an influental figure of the Counter-Reformation. He was canonized a saint in 1930 by Pope Pius XI and named a Doctor of the Church in 1931. He is also known as Roberto Bellarmino.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 5, 2015
I'm not sure if I read this exact edition. I read an edition that was online and in the public domain.
St. Robert Bellarmine gives us a meditation on each of the seven last words (i.e. phrases) that Christ uttered on the cross.
First he explains the phrase, and what is meant by it, and concrete details surrounding its utterance. For instance, he says that the bleeding experienced by Christ would have made him extremely thirsty, so that when he said "I thirst" he was parched beyond imagination. Another detail that we might miss is that Christ's last word, "Father into your hand I commend my spirit" was uttered with a loud cry. But people who are dying don't normal give out a loud cry-- their speech is quiet and laboured. By this, Christ is shown to have given up his life voluntarily, as he had control of himself.
After each explanation into the phrases, he goes into the "fruit" (i.e. truth) to be derived from meditating the phrase and acting on it. For example, Bellarmine says that Jesus uttered "My God, My God why have you forsaken me" not because he did not know the answer, but to encourage his followers to inquirer why Christ was forsaken on the cross (and then proceeds to give five reasons).
There were some theological gems in this book, so definitely worth a read, especially during Lent. I feel like I've read a lot of this before, so that's why I'm giving it a lower grade. It was okay, but not awesome. I did go "wow" on every page, but I definitely learned a few things. If you need some spiritual reading on the Passion, particularly about Christ's time on the cross, this is a good book.
St. Robert Bellarmine gives us a meditation on each of the seven last words (i.e. phrases) that Christ uttered on the cross.
First he explains the phrase, and what is meant by it, and concrete details surrounding its utterance. For instance, he says that the bleeding experienced by Christ would have made him extremely thirsty, so that when he said "I thirst" he was parched beyond imagination. Another detail that we might miss is that Christ's last word, "Father into your hand I commend my spirit" was uttered with a loud cry. But people who are dying don't normal give out a loud cry-- their speech is quiet and laboured. By this, Christ is shown to have given up his life voluntarily, as he had control of himself.
After each explanation into the phrases, he goes into the "fruit" (i.e. truth) to be derived from meditating the phrase and acting on it. For example, Bellarmine says that Jesus uttered "My God, My God why have you forsaken me" not because he did not know the answer, but to encourage his followers to inquirer why Christ was forsaken on the cross (and then proceeds to give five reasons).
There were some theological gems in this book, so definitely worth a read, especially during Lent. I feel like I've read a lot of this before, so that's why I'm giving it a lower grade. It was okay, but not awesome. I did go "wow" on every page, but I definitely learned a few things. If you need some spiritual reading on the Passion, particularly about Christ's time on the cross, this is a good book.
June 17, 2017
Well worth reading for a person who is interested in the spirituality of the Cross. A bit verbose in spots, but I highlighted enough passages of lasting importance that I am very glad I read it. I will not likely re-read the entire book, but I will definitely be returning to a few select passages.
October 30, 2020
Eye opening.
March 10, 2016
Neat and precise.
Neat and precise. Admittedly not contemporary but holds its value still! Great for lent meditation and prayer. In each section you can find something new to contemplate on each read. I would recommend reading it and contemplating although it is easily read in one sitting
Neat and precise. Admittedly not contemporary but holds its value still! Great for lent meditation and prayer. In each section you can find something new to contemplate on each read. I would recommend reading it and contemplating although it is easily read in one sitting
August 19, 2023
Excellent! Saint Bellarmine breaks things down in a logical and easy to comprehend manner. An amazing read to further delve into the mystery of the passion of our Lord.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews