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The Cries of Jesus From the Cross: A Fulton Sheen Anthology
As death approaches, the human heart speaks its greatest words of love to those it holds most dear. So it was with Jesus who in His final hours gave us seven last "words" rich with spiritual meaning for every human soul.
For the first time ever, Archbishop Fulton Sheen's complete writings and reflections on Christ's last words have been compiled into this one book. Sheen shows how the seven words are, in fact, a full catechism on the spiritual life. From them, you'll learn the secrets to living the Beatitudes, ways to avoid the deadly vices of anger, envy, lust, and pride, and how to cultivate the heavenly virtues of fortitude, prudence, justice, and charity.
Few books are such an inspiring call to sanctity, and few books are such a spiritual powerhouse. With Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen as your guide, you'll also
Why, during His Passion, Jesus never proclaimed his innocence.Why Jesus appealed to His Father to forgive, but did not Himself forgive directly.What Jesus' third word from the Cross says about lust.Why, like Jesus, the most innocent among us must suffer.Why darkness covered the earth after Jesus spoke his fourth word.The seven words spoken unto Jesus while He hung on the Cross "š€š" and what they reveal about the impact of Christ's Passion on your soul.What the Passion says about judging others (and why it's an assault against hope).How the conversion of the good thief is the key to the conversion of our modern world.Why you and I can sin a thousand times and be forgiven, and the angels who have sinned but once are eternally unforgiven.How envy becomes the denial of all justice and love.The difference between the virtue of hope and the emotion of hope.
For the first time ever, Archbishop Fulton Sheen's complete writings and reflections on Christ's last words have been compiled into this one book. Sheen shows how the seven words are, in fact, a full catechism on the spiritual life. From them, you'll learn the secrets to living the Beatitudes, ways to avoid the deadly vices of anger, envy, lust, and pride, and how to cultivate the heavenly virtues of fortitude, prudence, justice, and charity.
Few books are such an inspiring call to sanctity, and few books are such a spiritual powerhouse. With Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen as your guide, you'll also
Why, during His Passion, Jesus never proclaimed his innocence.Why Jesus appealed to His Father to forgive, but did not Himself forgive directly.What Jesus' third word from the Cross says about lust.Why, like Jesus, the most innocent among us must suffer.Why darkness covered the earth after Jesus spoke his fourth word.The seven words spoken unto Jesus while He hung on the Cross "š€š" and what they reveal about the impact of Christ's Passion on your soul.What the Passion says about judging others (and why it's an assault against hope).How the conversion of the good thief is the key to the conversion of our modern world.Why you and I can sin a thousand times and be forgiven, and the angels who have sinned but once are eternally unforgiven.How envy becomes the denial of all justice and love.The difference between the virtue of hope and the emotion of hope.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2018
237 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
About the author
Fulton J. Sheen
521 books741 followersFulton John Sheen was an American bishop of the Catholic Church known for his preaching and especially his work on television and radio. Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Peoria in Illinois, in 1919, Sheen quickly became a renowned theologian, earning the Cardinal Mercier Prize for International Philosophy in 1923. He went on to teach theology and philosophy at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and served as a parish priest before he was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York in 1951. He held this position until 1966 when he was made bishop of the Diocese of Rochester in New York. He resigned as bishop of Rochester in 1969 as his 75th birthday approached and was made archbishop of the titular see of Newport, Wales.
For 20 years as "Father Sheen", later monsignor, he hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour on NBC (1930–1950) before he moved to television and presented Life Is Worth Living (1952–1957). Sheen's final presenting role was on the syndicated The Fulton Sheen Program (1961–1968) with a format that was very similar to that of the earlier Life Is Worth Living show. For that work, Sheen twice won an Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Television Personality, and was featured on the cover of Time magazine. Starting in 2009, his shows were being re-broadcast on the EWTN and the Trinity Broadcasting Network's Church Channel cable networks. His contribution to televised preaching resulted in Sheen often being called one of the first televangelists.
The cause for his canonization was officially opened in 2002. In June 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially recognized a decree from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints stating that he lived a life of "heroic virtues," a major step towards beatification, and he is now referred to as venerable. On July 5, 2019, Pope Francis approved a reputed miracle that occurred through the intercession of Sheen, clearing the way for his beatification. Sheen was scheduled to be beatified in Peoria on December 21, 2019, but his beatification was postponed after Bishop Salvatore Matano of Rochester expressed concern that Sheen's handling of a 1963 sexual misconduct case against a priest might be cited unfavorably in a forthcoming report from the New York Attorney General. The Diocese of Peoria countered that Sheen's handling of the case had already been "thoroughly examined" and "exonerated" and that Sheen had "never put children in harm's way".
For 20 years as "Father Sheen", later monsignor, he hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour on NBC (1930–1950) before he moved to television and presented Life Is Worth Living (1952–1957). Sheen's final presenting role was on the syndicated The Fulton Sheen Program (1961–1968) with a format that was very similar to that of the earlier Life Is Worth Living show. For that work, Sheen twice won an Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Television Personality, and was featured on the cover of Time magazine. Starting in 2009, his shows were being re-broadcast on the EWTN and the Trinity Broadcasting Network's Church Channel cable networks. His contribution to televised preaching resulted in Sheen often being called one of the first televangelists.
The cause for his canonization was officially opened in 2002. In June 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially recognized a decree from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints stating that he lived a life of "heroic virtues," a major step towards beatification, and he is now referred to as venerable. On July 5, 2019, Pope Francis approved a reputed miracle that occurred through the intercession of Sheen, clearing the way for his beatification. Sheen was scheduled to be beatified in Peoria on December 21, 2019, but his beatification was postponed after Bishop Salvatore Matano of Rochester expressed concern that Sheen's handling of a 1963 sexual misconduct case against a priest might be cited unfavorably in a forthcoming report from the New York Attorney General. The Diocese of Peoria countered that Sheen's handling of the case had already been "thoroughly examined" and "exonerated" and that Sheen had "never put children in harm's way".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 21, 2018
Over the last three years I have read a dozen books by or about Reverend Fulton J. Sheen. A couple of the others were anthologies after a form and excerpts of Sheen’s own writings compiled by an editor. One was a flop and I never bothered finishing it. The books of Advent and Lenten meditations are well done but leave a reader wanting more. But I often find when I read something by Rev. Sheen, I want more. And this book falls in that category. Of the 4 or 5 books I have read that were compiled of Sheen’s works this is by far the best. Alan J. Smith is the editor of this amazing volume, and though his name does not appear on the cover, credit is due. From the introduction of the volume we are told:
“Given their importance and the impact they had on society, it seemed appropriate to bring together in this anthology some of Archbishop Sheen’s meditations on the words of Jesus and Mary from seven books he wrote from 1933 to 1945:
The Seven Last Words (1933)
The Cross and the Beatitudes (1937)
The Rainbow of Sorrow (1938)
Victory over Vice (1939)
The Seven Virtues (1940)
Seven Words to the Cross (1944)
Seven Words of Jesus and Mary (1945)
This anthology has been arranged into seven chapters, each of which addresses one of the seven last words spoken by Christ on the Cross. And for each chapter, a passage from each of these books has been selected to provide seven unique reflections for study and meditation.
1. The words spoken by Christ from the Cross
2. The Beatitudes
3. Sorrow and suffering
4. The seven deadly sins
5. Seven virtues
6. Groups who reject the Church and Christ’s teachings
7. The unity of Jesus and Mary
These reflections may be read one after another as they appear in this book, or they may be read randomly as the reader chooses. Since this anthology comprises seven Sheen titles, the reader may also read one complete book at a time. For example, by reading the fourth reflection from each chapter of this anthology, the reader will have read Sheen’s Victory over Vice; or by reading the third reflection from each chapter, he will have read The Rainbow of Sorrow.”
And for each of the seven chapters we have seven sections. So the actual sections in the book are:
Introduction
First Word
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
1. Father, Forgive Them, for They Know Not What They Do!
2. Blessed Are the Meek
3. Unjust Suffering
4. Anger
5. Fortitude
6. A Word to the Humanists
7. The Value of Ignorance
Second Word
This day thou shalt be with me in paradise.
1. This Day Thou Shalt Be with Me in Paradise
2. Blessed Are the Merciful
3. Pain
4. Envy
5. Hope
6. A Word to the Sinners
7. The Secret of Sanctity
Third Word
Woman, behold thy son; behold thy mother.
1. Woman, Behold Thy Son
2. Blessed Are the Clean of Heart
3. Suffering of the Innocent
4. Lust
5. Prudence
6. A Word to the Selfish
7. The Fellowship of Religion
Fourth Word
My God! My God! Why hast Thou forsaken me?
1. My God! My God! Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?
2. Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
3. God and the Soul
4. Pride
5. Faith
6. A Word to the Intelligentsia
7. Confidence in Victory
Fifth Word
I thirst.
1. I Thirst
2. Blessed Are They That Hunger and Thirst After Justice
3. The Need for Zeal
4. Gluttony
5. Temperance
6. A Word to the Moderns
7. Religion Is a Quest
Sixth Word
It is finished.
1. It Is Finished
2. Blessed Are the Peacemakers
3. A Planned Universe
4. Sloth
5. Justice
6. A Word to the Sensationalists
7. The Hour
Seventh Word
Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.
1. Father, into Thy Hands I Commend My Spirit
2. Blessed Are They That Mourn
3. Eternal Freedom
4. Covetousness
5. Charity
6. A Word to the Thinkers
7. The Purpose of Life
Acknowledgments
About the Author: Fulton J. Sheen
The beautify of the way this book has been compiled is that it can be read many ways. You can read it in the transitional method of starting at the beginning and proceeding until the end. You can read thematically and read numbered sections in each chapter, for example read the second sections ‘Blessed are …” chapters. Or read through the fifth sections on the virtues. Or you can randomly open it and read any section for spiritual reading or deeper reflection. Smith states in the Introduction:
“For example, by reading the fourth reflection from each chapter of this anthology, the reader will have read Sheen’s Victory over Vice; or by reading the third reflection from each chapter, he will have read The Rainbow of Sorrow.”
For fans of Sheen’s works this book ties together the seven separate books and shows us the bigger picture of Sheen’s thought and theology. For people just beginning their foray into the works of Sheen this book will serve as an amazing introduction. The print edition is a round 400 pages, and the eBook edition comes in at 320. By todays standards where so many books are being published at under 250 or even right around 200 pages this book is a larger volume. But trust me it is worth it. This book is an incredible read. I average over 100 books read a year, and more than double that the last few years. This book is one of the best Christian books I have read in the last few years.
Let me reiterate that, of the hundreds of books read in the last few years, one of the best!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Fulton J. Sheen.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
“Given their importance and the impact they had on society, it seemed appropriate to bring together in this anthology some of Archbishop Sheen’s meditations on the words of Jesus and Mary from seven books he wrote from 1933 to 1945:
The Seven Last Words (1933)
The Cross and the Beatitudes (1937)
The Rainbow of Sorrow (1938)
Victory over Vice (1939)
The Seven Virtues (1940)
Seven Words to the Cross (1944)
Seven Words of Jesus and Mary (1945)
This anthology has been arranged into seven chapters, each of which addresses one of the seven last words spoken by Christ on the Cross. And for each chapter, a passage from each of these books has been selected to provide seven unique reflections for study and meditation.
1. The words spoken by Christ from the Cross
2. The Beatitudes
3. Sorrow and suffering
4. The seven deadly sins
5. Seven virtues
6. Groups who reject the Church and Christ’s teachings
7. The unity of Jesus and Mary
These reflections may be read one after another as they appear in this book, or they may be read randomly as the reader chooses. Since this anthology comprises seven Sheen titles, the reader may also read one complete book at a time. For example, by reading the fourth reflection from each chapter of this anthology, the reader will have read Sheen’s Victory over Vice; or by reading the third reflection from each chapter, he will have read The Rainbow of Sorrow.”
And for each of the seven chapters we have seven sections. So the actual sections in the book are:
Introduction
First Word
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
1. Father, Forgive Them, for They Know Not What They Do!
2. Blessed Are the Meek
3. Unjust Suffering
4. Anger
5. Fortitude
6. A Word to the Humanists
7. The Value of Ignorance
Second Word
This day thou shalt be with me in paradise.
1. This Day Thou Shalt Be with Me in Paradise
2. Blessed Are the Merciful
3. Pain
4. Envy
5. Hope
6. A Word to the Sinners
7. The Secret of Sanctity
Third Word
Woman, behold thy son; behold thy mother.
1. Woman, Behold Thy Son
2. Blessed Are the Clean of Heart
3. Suffering of the Innocent
4. Lust
5. Prudence
6. A Word to the Selfish
7. The Fellowship of Religion
Fourth Word
My God! My God! Why hast Thou forsaken me?
1. My God! My God! Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?
2. Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
3. God and the Soul
4. Pride
5. Faith
6. A Word to the Intelligentsia
7. Confidence in Victory
Fifth Word
I thirst.
1. I Thirst
2. Blessed Are They That Hunger and Thirst After Justice
3. The Need for Zeal
4. Gluttony
5. Temperance
6. A Word to the Moderns
7. Religion Is a Quest
Sixth Word
It is finished.
1. It Is Finished
2. Blessed Are the Peacemakers
3. A Planned Universe
4. Sloth
5. Justice
6. A Word to the Sensationalists
7. The Hour
Seventh Word
Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.
1. Father, into Thy Hands I Commend My Spirit
2. Blessed Are They That Mourn
3. Eternal Freedom
4. Covetousness
5. Charity
6. A Word to the Thinkers
7. The Purpose of Life
Acknowledgments
About the Author: Fulton J. Sheen
The beautify of the way this book has been compiled is that it can be read many ways. You can read it in the transitional method of starting at the beginning and proceeding until the end. You can read thematically and read numbered sections in each chapter, for example read the second sections ‘Blessed are …” chapters. Or read through the fifth sections on the virtues. Or you can randomly open it and read any section for spiritual reading or deeper reflection. Smith states in the Introduction:
“For example, by reading the fourth reflection from each chapter of this anthology, the reader will have read Sheen’s Victory over Vice; or by reading the third reflection from each chapter, he will have read The Rainbow of Sorrow.”
For fans of Sheen’s works this book ties together the seven separate books and shows us the bigger picture of Sheen’s thought and theology. For people just beginning their foray into the works of Sheen this book will serve as an amazing introduction. The print edition is a round 400 pages, and the eBook edition comes in at 320. By todays standards where so many books are being published at under 250 or even right around 200 pages this book is a larger volume. But trust me it is worth it. This book is an incredible read. I average over 100 books read a year, and more than double that the last few years. This book is one of the best Christian books I have read in the last few years.
Let me reiterate that, of the hundreds of books read in the last few years, one of the best!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Fulton J. Sheen.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
April 22, 2019
A truly great collection of essays and other writings form Ven Fulton J. Sheen. Perfect Lenten reading.
May 24, 2020
Beautiful
It took me a while to finish this book, but only because each chapter is so packed with depth and beauty that one has to stop and think about it for a while. It takes Our Lord's Passion and opens Our eyes to aspects of modernity that supply wounded Him during His three hours on the cross. There were times when reading it was like looking in a mirror. I recognized myself in each hammer blow to Our Lord's arms and feet. This book is definitely one everyone needs to read.
It took me a while to finish this book, but only because each chapter is so packed with depth and beauty that one has to stop and think about it for a while. It takes Our Lord's Passion and opens Our eyes to aspects of modernity that supply wounded Him during His three hours on the cross. There were times when reading it was like looking in a mirror. I recognized myself in each hammer blow to Our Lord's arms and feet. This book is definitely one everyone needs to read.
April 4, 2021
One of the top books I’ve read to date. As this year’s Lenten reading, it will forevermore be a book I return to during this season. Excellent work; praise God for the life of Venerable Fulton Sheen!
October 24, 2020
I can hardly put this book down. Venerable Fulton Sheen has written an amazing book that goes straight to your heart. The 7 phrases Jesus said from the Cross pretty much sum up his whole purpose for teaching. I have been stressing over how to forgive our politicians, Hollywood elite, and the MSM for their abortion, infanticide issues. Bishop Sheen makes it very clear what Jesus meant when he spoke those unforgettable phrases from the cross. I am praying harder for those who are determined to flaunt themselves in the face of our most Beloved Church, that their hearts be softened and find their way back to our Lord. Amazing Book!
If you only read one book this year, I highly recommend The Cries of Jesus from the Cross. Archbishop Fulton Sheen was an inspiring man. In this book he gives a whole new meaning to each of Jesus' cries from the cross. You will come to understand exactly what Christ was trying to convey to us.
If you only read one book this year, I highly recommend The Cries of Jesus from the Cross. Archbishop Fulton Sheen was an inspiring man. In this book he gives a whole new meaning to each of Jesus' cries from the cross. You will come to understand exactly what Christ was trying to convey to us.
April 2, 2021
Next to the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Archbishop Sheen’s Anthology is the most profound book I’ve ever read. If you had time to read only one book for the rest of your life this would be it. Best read slowly with deliberation and time for reflection. It will change you.
May 5, 2023
In this anthology, Al Smith broke apart 7 books that Fulton Sheen wrote on the 7 last words and rearranged them so that you’re reading all the first chapters first that are on the first cry of the cross and then move onto the 2nd cry in the second chapters. I started off reading that way but then halfway switched to reading each book individually and personally felt that it was more comprehensive. I felt that Sheen’s logical flow and thinking was clearer and more understandable if I read the books in the order he had originally intended them. In the intro Al Smith does mention that you can still use the anthology to read it that way, you’ll just be jumping across the whole anthology. Anyway that’s just what worked for me. Overall a pretty innovative idea though and I appreciate having such beautiful writings of Sheen’s on Christ’s passion all in one place. This is a perfect read for Lent to prepare for Holy Week ✨🙏🏼
December 26, 2024
…It’s about Jesus, that says it all, correct?
April 24, 2025
Five stars because it is the Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen! But unfortunately it was an audio and I didn’t like the narrator. Also I think this should be read slowly and in spine form, a Lenten read next time, not just Holy Week.
February 27, 2025
Feeeeeeeeel everything in this book to my CORE! Will forever recommend this. Always.
backburner
June 9, 2025This is going to be the book dh and I read from now through Lent. Just glancing at the Table of Contents, it looks fabulous. Each of the Seven Words of Christ are couples with a Beatitude, one of the Seven Deadly Sins, its corresponding Virtue and three other topics pertinent to that Word. As I was just looking it over, my husband accused me of cheating, i.e., reading ahead. He knows me too well! 😉
April 8, 2023
This anthology unites seven different books written by Archbishop Sheen over several years on the seven last words of Jesus on the Cross. Each chapter “addresses one of the seven last words spoken by Christ on the Cross. And for each chapter, a passage from each of these books has been selected to provide seven unique reflections for study and meditation” (from the Introduction).
Whether you read the anthology by focusing on one Last Word or by covering the seven Last Words in a particular book via a series of chapters, Archbishop Sheen provides a lot of content to consider and reconsider, and take to heart. This book will be on my required Lenten reading list, particularly during Holy Week, for years to come.
Whether you read the anthology by focusing on one Last Word or by covering the seven Last Words in a particular book via a series of chapters, Archbishop Sheen provides a lot of content to consider and reconsider, and take to heart. This book will be on my required Lenten reading list, particularly during Holy Week, for years to come.
March 21, 2024
“One of the greatest tragedies in the world is wasted pain. Pain without relation to the cross is like an unsigned check — without value. But once we have it countersigned with the signature of the Savior on the Cross, it takes on an infinite value.”
“The best way to have our prayers answered is to pray for the intentions of others: for God begins to think of us when we cease to think of ourselves.”
“God finds us best when we are lost in others.”
“The only religion that will help the world is one that contradicts the world.”
“Judgment is a harvest where we sow what we reap.”
“We have completed our experiment of living without God and have proven the fallacy of a system of education that calls itself progressive because it finds new excuses for sins.”
“The best way to have our prayers answered is to pray for the intentions of others: for God begins to think of us when we cease to think of ourselves.”
“God finds us best when we are lost in others.”
“The only religion that will help the world is one that contradicts the world.”
“Judgment is a harvest where we sow what we reap.”
“We have completed our experiment of living without God and have proven the fallacy of a system of education that calls itself progressive because it finds new excuses for sins.”
August 30, 2025
Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen was a florid speaker but he could certainly speak the truth, addressing serious theological themes in a very accessible way. in this book he carefully explains Christ’s words from the cross in terms relatable in the present day. Archbishop Sheen was both devoutly Catholic and fiercely anti communist. He’s on my list of historic figures I’d love to meet one day, so I’d better make sure I get into heaven!
December 26, 2022
An Essential Read for All!
Fulton Sheen's wisdom and its expression in print is truly remarkable. It clearly depicts the seven words from the Cross as a summarization of the purpose of Jesus' life and death (freely given) and what each human being should understand about its relation to God's love for each of us. This is a great book, because it touches the soul and inspires.
Fulton Sheen's wisdom and its expression in print is truly remarkable. It clearly depicts the seven words from the Cross as a summarization of the purpose of Jesus' life and death (freely given) and what each human being should understand about its relation to God's love for each of us. This is a great book, because it touches the soul and inspires.
April 2, 2021
I chose to read this book throughout lent and I’m blown away by how beautiful Fulton Sheen’s writings are. His insights are so lovely and I found myself taking pictures of certain passages so I could look back at them.
April 24, 2022
beautiful book
Very uplifting book that helped me in understanding what it means to love Jesus and that surrendering to His way, is the way, to Him. I wished I read this book a long time ago.
Very uplifting book that helped me in understanding what it means to love Jesus and that surrendering to His way, is the way, to Him. I wished I read this book a long time ago.
May 13, 2022
Collecting these installments in an easily accessible format is a great contribution to the accessibility Fulton's works often lack in today's culture. A hard hitting collection that more people need to check out and sit with for a long time.
July 1, 2023
Fulton Sheen writes simply yet with depth. This book encouraged me to look at truths I had been avoiding. One particular quote on page 318 is staying with me: "Too many are worried about whether God is on our side, and heedless as to whether we are on God's side."
February 18, 2020
A beautiful book to rear during lent. Bishop Sheen shares with the reader his meditations on the seven last word's of Christ.
April 11, 2020
Very deep and meaningful!
Very moving and deep! I recommend this book for everyone- especially those who wonder about the meaning of life! Also for those struggling with depression!
Very moving and deep! I recommend this book for everyone- especially those who wonder about the meaning of life! Also for those struggling with depression!
July 18, 2020
This book was so good. The writings in this book opened my eyes and changed me as a person. One of the best books I’ve ever read!
March 22, 2022
great book
February 17, 2023
Take this book and sit in front of the Eucharist. Read one chapter. Repeat as needed. Watch life improve.
March 30, 2023
Great read for lent. Not a tone I can say about Fulton Sheen that hasn’t been said but it’s nice to have all his writing on the words from the cross in one place. Great book to pray with.
April 8, 2023
A very good book. Give yourself plenty of time to absorb each chapter before continuing.
August 5, 2023
Exceptional.
May 2, 2025
Plan to read this every Lent. Very thought-provoking.
May 28, 2025
As with anything, Fulton Sheen, there are incredible insights and quotations regarding the last seven words of Jesus on the cross. It is long and thorough, but much to think about.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews