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The Seven Last Words
The Seven Last Words by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is an exploration and explanation of the seven statements made by Christ upon the Cross. Unlike the detailed instructions offered a few years earlier in the Sermon on the Mount, these last few utterances of Christ were brief. But within them, Archbishop Sheen finds wisdom and truth.
Christ's Seven Last Words come from each of the four gospels of Mark, Matthew, John, and Luke. The first, second, and final words appear in Luke. The third, fifth, and sixth appear in John. And the fourth appears in both Matthew and Mark. Archbishop Sheen calls these Last Words a sermon. And indeed, they had everything necessary to create "...a pulpit [the cross], an audience [the Pharisees, temple priests, and Roman soldiers], and a truth [the Words of Christ]."
This sermon on Calvary was unlike any other. It was not long-winded or full of fiery prose. But within these short Last Words, Christ again showed us His Mercy and His Love. As Archbishop Sheen says, "There was never a sermon like the Seven Last Words."
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was born in tiny El Paso, Illinois, in 1895. At just eight years old, while serving as an altar boy in Peoria, he dropped and broke a wine cruet on the floor. Bishop John L. Spalding took the boy aside and predicted that he would one day study at the famous Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, and that "someday you will be just as I am."
Archbishop Sheen did go on to study in Leuven, as well as at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and the Pontificium Collegium Internationale Angelicum in Rome. He taught theology and philosophy for many years at Catholic University, and he served as director for the missionary organization Society of the Propagation of Faith.
He was best known for his radio and television programs. Archbishop Sheen spoke on the Sunday radio show The Catholic Hour throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He followed this program with the wildly popular Life is Worth Living television show, which earned him an Emmy for Most Outstanding Television Personality.
In 1951, Bishop Spalding's second prediction came true. Archbishop Sheen was consecrated a bishop that year, and an archbishop in 1969.
Throughout his career in the priesthood, Archbishop Sheen wrote dozens of books and essays on faith, philosophy, and scripture. The Seven Last Words (1933) brings the reader closer to the day of the crucifixion, helping the reader to feel the enormity of Christ's sacrifice and the love that it demonstrates for all mankind.
From His prayer for the forgiveness of His enemies ("Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!") to His kind gift of the Blessed Virgin and His beloved friend John to each other ("Woman, behold they son."), these words are "...caught up by our own poor hearts that must decide, once more, if they will be tempted by the love of that Saviour."
Christ's final words were "Father, into Thy Hands I commend My Spirit." He has turned from the faces of the jeering crowd and to the face of God. His years of toil on earth have ended, just as He knew and planned that they should. As Archbishop Sheen writes, "...His whole substance is wasted among sinners, for He is giving the last drop of His precious blood for the redemption of the world."
Each section of the book ends with a short prayer that reflects the topic of each of the Seven Last Words. While this book is valuable year-round, it is a particularly apt piece to study during Holy Week.
Christ's Seven Last Words come from each of the four gospels of Mark, Matthew, John, and Luke. The first, second, and final words appear in Luke. The third, fifth, and sixth appear in John. And the fourth appears in both Matthew and Mark. Archbishop Sheen calls these Last Words a sermon. And indeed, they had everything necessary to create "...a pulpit [the cross], an audience [the Pharisees, temple priests, and Roman soldiers], and a truth [the Words of Christ]."
This sermon on Calvary was unlike any other. It was not long-winded or full of fiery prose. But within these short Last Words, Christ again showed us His Mercy and His Love. As Archbishop Sheen says, "There was never a sermon like the Seven Last Words."
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was born in tiny El Paso, Illinois, in 1895. At just eight years old, while serving as an altar boy in Peoria, he dropped and broke a wine cruet on the floor. Bishop John L. Spalding took the boy aside and predicted that he would one day study at the famous Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, and that "someday you will be just as I am."
Archbishop Sheen did go on to study in Leuven, as well as at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and the Pontificium Collegium Internationale Angelicum in Rome. He taught theology and philosophy for many years at Catholic University, and he served as director for the missionary organization Society of the Propagation of Faith.
He was best known for his radio and television programs. Archbishop Sheen spoke on the Sunday radio show The Catholic Hour throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He followed this program with the wildly popular Life is Worth Living television show, which earned him an Emmy for Most Outstanding Television Personality.
In 1951, Bishop Spalding's second prediction came true. Archbishop Sheen was consecrated a bishop that year, and an archbishop in 1969.
Throughout his career in the priesthood, Archbishop Sheen wrote dozens of books and essays on faith, philosophy, and scripture. The Seven Last Words (1933) brings the reader closer to the day of the crucifixion, helping the reader to feel the enormity of Christ's sacrifice and the love that it demonstrates for all mankind.
From His prayer for the forgiveness of His enemies ("Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!") to His kind gift of the Blessed Virgin and His beloved friend John to each other ("Woman, behold they son."), these words are "...caught up by our own poor hearts that must decide, once more, if they will be tempted by the love of that Saviour."
Christ's final words were "Father, into Thy Hands I commend My Spirit." He has turned from the faces of the jeering crowd and to the face of God. His years of toil on earth have ended, just as He knew and planned that they should. As Archbishop Sheen writes, "...His whole substance is wasted among sinners, for He is giving the last drop of His precious blood for the redemption of the world."
Each section of the book ends with a short prayer that reflects the topic of each of the Seven Last Words. While this book is valuable year-round, it is a particularly apt piece to study during Holy Week.
52 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1933
257 people are currently reading
705 people want to read
About the author
Fulton J. Sheen
517 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 67 reviews
April 17, 2025
“Bethlehem is Jesus, as thou, His sinless mother, gave Him to man; Calvary is Jesus, as sinful man gave Him back to thee. Something intervened between thy giving at the manger and the receiving at the Cross, and that which intervened is my sins.”
I don’t know what would stop me from reading this every Lent.
I don’t know what would stop me from reading this every Lent.
February 9, 2025
This is a most wonderful little book, not only a book but seven beautiful prayers. I’ve owned it for years and used to read it every day but forgot about it until I spotted it just recently. I hope to continue reading it again daily over and over again. It challenges me to “love one another”.
April 12, 2022
A Lenten must read! Bishop Fulton sheen just has a way with words, every sentence is beautifully written. Never really pondered on the last seven words but found out about the book through the Hallow app. Very insightful and highly recommend.
April 5, 2017
A must read, every Lent. Very short but best to savor it.
December 21, 2023
"OH, what greater assurance is there in all the world of the mercy of God? Lost sheep, prodigal sons, broken Magdalens, penitent Peter's, forgiven thieves! Such is the rosary of Divine forgiveness. God is more anxious to save us than we are to save ourselves."
July 30, 2025
These were not new words to my ears but new depth of prayer in my heart. You read sheen’s sentences and the hold so much conviction. definitely a good book to go back and pray with- every day. Would recommend to anyone in need of an accountability check (all of us lol) and needs to be refreshed on how much the Lord desires us.
April 7, 2022
What a beautiful and insightful look at the seven last words of Christ from the cross. I am participating in the 40 Day Lenten Challenge on the Hallow app, and they are reading excerpts from this book, so I thought I would get The Seven Last Words by Fulton J. Sheen and follow along. It is a quick read, and can easily be read in under two hours. "Mary, it is I who stand between His birth and His approaching redemptive death.... Mary, my Mother, intercede with thy Divine Son for forgiveness of the sin of changing thy Bethlehem into Calvary.
I highly recommend this thought provoking meditation of the crucifixion of our dear Lord.
I highly recommend this thought provoking meditation of the crucifixion of our dear Lord.
January 1, 2023
Loved this book 💕 Necessary read :)
April 24, 2019
beautiful way to look at Christ's Passion this Lenten season
October 25, 2023
Read during silent retreat at Bukit Tiram.
A very short book, but still profound in content. A meditation on the last 7 things Christ said on the cross.
1) “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!”
2) “This day thou shalt be with me in paradise.”
3) “Woman, behold thy son.”
A message to the three predilections of God: enemies, sinners, and saints.
4) “My god! my god! Why hast thou forsaken me?”
5) “I thirst.”
A message from man abandoned by God, and a message from God abandoned by man.
6) “It is consummated.”
7) “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”
The sixth was a cry of retrospect, and the seventh is a cry of prospect. A farewell to manhood on Earth, and an entrance to Godhood on heaven.
A very short book, but still profound in content. A meditation on the last 7 things Christ said on the cross.
1) “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!”
2) “This day thou shalt be with me in paradise.”
3) “Woman, behold thy son.”
A message to the three predilections of God: enemies, sinners, and saints.
4) “My god! my god! Why hast thou forsaken me?”
5) “I thirst.”
A message from man abandoned by God, and a message from God abandoned by man.
6) “It is consummated.”
7) “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”
The sixth was a cry of retrospect, and the seventh is a cry of prospect. A farewell to manhood on Earth, and an entrance to Godhood on heaven.
April 12, 2024
Simple beautiful!!! Sheen writes in a way that stirs the soul. One of my favorite parts was the story of Dismas
as a babe washed in water that Christ had been bathed in and physically healed…then leads a miserable life, and finally cries out (this time of his free will) to be healed while on the Cross…does he remember his first healing? Does he even know?? I had not heard that tradition/story before and was touched.
An incredibly quick and easy read, perfect to enter into lent!
as a babe washed in water that Christ had been bathed in and physically healed…then leads a miserable life, and finally cries out (this time of his free will) to be healed while on the Cross…does he remember his first healing? Does he even know?? I had not heard that tradition/story before and was touched.
An incredibly quick and easy read, perfect to enter into lent!
November 20, 2016
such a powerful book..
April 14, 2017
Not great. Made some leaps in logic and theology to make a handy quick read. Not bad, overall, for what it was, but less than "good." Two stars.
May 23, 2025
This was the first Fulton Sheen book I have read, to the best of my knowledge. He is filled with both wisdom and poetry. Very short read, but lots to think about.
April 1, 2025
A small but mighty book about the seven last words Christ spoke while on the cross. Beautifully written, thought provoking text. This book touched me, a lapsed Catholic, very deeply. It renewed my spirit and set me on a course to rediscover my faith. I highly recommend this book as well as Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s video lectures on YouTube.
The Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ:
1. Father, Forgive Them For They Know Not What They Do
2. This Day Thou Shalt Be With Me In Paradise
3. Woman, Behold Thy Son
4. My God! My God! Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?
5. I Thirst
6. It Is Consummated (It Is Finished)
7. Father, Into Thy Hands I Commend My Spirit
This book is less than 100 pages and can be read in an afternoon. God bless.
The Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ:
1. Father, Forgive Them For They Know Not What They Do
2. This Day Thou Shalt Be With Me In Paradise
3. Woman, Behold Thy Son
4. My God! My God! Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?
5. I Thirst
6. It Is Consummated (It Is Finished)
7. Father, Into Thy Hands I Commend My Spirit
This book is less than 100 pages and can be read in an afternoon. God bless.
February 15, 2018
Reading the reviews for this book I definitely agree that it is very powerful and a good book to read during a retreat or lent. But I also feel it was a bit above my understanding and probably someone interested in theology and/or the religious life would get more out of this book. For example, I was for the longest time trying to figure out what the seven words were...but they are actually the phrases Jesus used before He died on the cross.
April 8, 2023
A Very Deep Spiritual Reflection, as only Bishop Sheen Could Do!
In thirty pages, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, in his uniquely powerful and loving way, takes us on a deeply spiritual reflection on the purpose and meaning of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is not only a great read for Easter time, but for anyone any time, especially anyone seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
In thirty pages, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, in his uniquely powerful and loving way, takes us on a deeply spiritual reflection on the purpose and meaning of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is not only a great read for Easter time, but for anyone any time, especially anyone seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
March 29, 2020
Moving riveting perfect lenten meditation.
Ihas the privilege of hearing Venerable Sheen present these Seven Last Words as a seminarian. The text brought back the memory and Sheen's passion awakening the soul and presenting in an unforgettable manner the price paid for our salvation. No other text approaches the realism here. An absolute must read
Ihas the privilege of hearing Venerable Sheen present these Seven Last Words as a seminarian. The text brought back the memory and Sheen's passion awakening the soul and presenting in an unforgettable manner the price paid for our salvation. No other text approaches the realism here. An absolute must read
January 3, 2023
“Bethlehem is Jesus, as thou, His sinless mother, gave Him to man; Calvary is Jesus, as sinful man gave Him back to thee…Mary, this is not thy hour; it is my hour—my hour of wickedness and sin. If I had not sinned, death would not now hover it’s black wings about His crimsoned body; if I had not been proud, the atoning crown of thorns would never have been woven…”
March 30, 2024
In this very short book, Venerable Fulton Sheen challenges the reader to enter into the Seven Last Words more deeply. What would we think Jesus would say from the Cross, especially as he’s being tortured and moments away from death? He doesn’t condemn, but still teaches and loves radically. He is the fullest expression of self-giving love.
February 20, 2025
Oh what a beautiful book. Will read again and again.
“Teach me that everything in the world is Thine, except one thing, and that is my own will; and since that is mine, it is the only real and true gift that I can ever bestow.”
“I warn thee, Mary, think not when thy arms come to clasp Him, that He is white as He came from the Father; He is red as He came from me.” 😭😭😭
“Teach me that everything in the world is Thine, except one thing, and that is my own will; and since that is mine, it is the only real and true gift that I can ever bestow.”
“I warn thee, Mary, think not when thy arms come to clasp Him, that He is white as He came from the Father; He is red as He came from me.” 😭😭😭
April 11, 2020
A wonderful little book that could be read in an hour but is certainly meant to be pondered. Perfect for Adoration and particularly for meditation during Lent. The closing prayer of each chapter is particularly excellent in bringing out the theme of each chapter.
September 7, 2020
Still the best! His is not some dry theology, but clear, simple meaning of the last seven words.
This booklet is for all of us who are tired of complicated discourses on the last seven words. It makes meditating heartfelt and not dry
This booklet is for all of us who are tired of complicated discourses on the last seven words. It makes meditating heartfelt and not dry
February 21, 2021
Very Powerful
I loved the whole book-chapter 5 was a powerful chapter for me! His last 7 words is very meaningful and I will be reading it again. The prayers especially the last one is about us here on earth. That's what I believe as a Christian.
I loved the whole book-chapter 5 was a powerful chapter for me! His last 7 words is very meaningful and I will be reading it again. The prayers especially the last one is about us here on earth. That's what I believe as a Christian.
March 11, 2021
Great book for our times as Bishop Fulton revels the truth
In this work we receive a breakdown of the Seven Last Words of Christ and their importance in both Scripture but also shows how we can be an active participant in the redemption of the world
In this work we receive a breakdown of the Seven Last Words of Christ and their importance in both Scripture but also shows how we can be an active participant in the redemption of the world
March 31, 2021
SO INSPIRING
Bishop Sheen is a master of the language! He is able to express the wonder of our faith in a way that leaves its mark on your heart. He pours out his love with every sentence! I highly recommend reading anything he writes.
Bishop Sheen is a master of the language! He is able to express the wonder of our faith in a way that leaves its mark on your heart. He pours out his love with every sentence! I highly recommend reading anything he writes.
April 18, 2022
This book is perfect for Good Friday reading. It can be easily read in just one day, and, with the concise and poignant sermons coupled with a prayer at the end of each chapter, it truly is a meditative work. Thank you, Bishop Sheen, for yet another inspiring work!
March 11, 2023
Good read for Lent
Bush Sheen's writing is as mezmorizing as his television sermons. I heartily recommend this short but engrossing book. No wonder trust he is being considered for saintood.
Bush Sheen's writing is as mezmorizing as his television sermons. I heartily recommend this short but engrossing book. No wonder trust he is being considered for saintood.
March 18, 2023
A short book to listen to over and over as we contemplate the seven last words of Christ and prepare for his Resurrection.
A short book for Lent by a great preacher and theologian.
Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen, pray for us.
Oro pro nobis.
A short book for Lent by a great preacher and theologian.
Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen, pray for us.
Oro pro nobis.
Read
March 22, 2023I just finished this book and it was very good. As the title says The Seven Last Words was what Jesus Christ said on the cross. I would suggest this book to all true believers in Jesus Christ. He is my Rock and my Anchor
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews