Next to the birth of Jesus in December, Holy Week is next in terms of solemnity and rituals or practices on the part of observers and believers.

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1 THE Christian world (around 90 percent of the 100 million Filipinos are Christians), once again observes the Passion or sufferings of Jesus, his Death on the cross and his Resurrection on the third day. Easter is the most meaningful Christian Holiday. Next to the birth of Jesus in December, Holy Week is next in terms of solemnity and rituals or practices on the part of observers and believers. There are actual crucifixions being performed every Good Friday in the Philippines, which have become tourist attractions. But, those are done as personal sacrifices to atone for wrongdoings or to thank Jesus for blessings and healings received. I d like to deal on the last words or sayings of Jesus Christ while he was suffering on the cross shortly before his final breath. 1 / 6

2 As we know, there are seven last words that Jesus uttered. These could be found in the following Books of the Bible: The seven sayings form part of a Christian meditation that is often used during Good Friday. These last words are: Luke 23:34: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. Luke 23:43: Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise. John 19:26 27: Woman, behold your son. Son Behold your mother. Matthew 27:46 & Mark 15:34 My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? John 19:28: I thirst. John 19:29-30: It is finished. Luke 23:46: Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. 2 / 6

3 According to Wikipedia, traditionally, these seven sayings are called words of 1. Forgiveness 2. Salvation 3. Relationship 4. Abandonment 5. Distress 6. Triumph and 7. Reunion. *** When I was growing up as a young Catholic in my hometown of Hagonoy, Bulacan, I used to watch the Good Friday rituals on the streets, the male self-flagellants hitting their bleeding backs with bamboo sticks tied in rope. Our province of Bulacan is known for Tagalog poets, like Francisco Baltazar and Marcelo del Pilar. I d like to share with our readers part of a long Tagalog poem about the fourth word of Jesus: My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? My childhood friend and kababayan Robert Dionisio, who is popular in Facebook as Obet Dionisio lives in Australia. One Holy Week, his parish priest asked Obet to interpret one of the last words of Jesus for Good Friday delivery in their church. Obet thought of interpreting the 4th Word through poetry in Tagalog. I m sharing only part because it is quite lengthy. 3 / 6

4 AMA KO, BAKIT MO AKO PINABAYAAN Ama Ko, bakit Mo Ako pinabayaan Pang-apat na salita na Kanyang binitiwan Patungkol sa Ama, sa kalangitan Pahimakas sa tao, sa sankalibutan. Si Kristo Hesus, sa krus ay nakabayubay Sa Ama tumawag, kahit katawan ay lupaypay Ngunit sino nga ba ang totoo niyang pakay Di ba ang tao, upang tayo ay maakay? Sa Kanyang paghihirap at nalalabing lakas Ang salitang ito, di Niya binigkas Upang sisihin ang Amang tunay at likas Kundi upang tayo, sa kadakilaan ay umangkas. Ang salitang ito ay isang panawagan Sa lahat ng Ama, sa sandaigdigan Sa iyo, sa akin, sa kamag-anak at kaibigan Paala-ala sa ating mga pananagutan. Ano nga ba ang tunay na ibig sabihin Ng mga huling salita, huling tagubilin Ito nga ngayon ay ating paglimi-limiin Ang bawat patungkol ay ating suriin. Sa Eden nilikha ng Diyos si Eba at Adan At kay Adan ibinigay ang ganitong katungkulan 4 / 6

5 Pagkain ng iyong anak, iyong pagpapawisan Pagtuturo at pagpapalaki, ikaw rin ang magpapasan. Sapat na ba ang anak ay iyong pakainin Ibili ng gamit, mararangyang bihisin Lahat ng magustuhan, iyong bibilhin Ito ba ang batayan ng amang butihin? Ang ibig sabihin ng ating Panginoon Kung saan ka nang-galing at saan ka paroroon Ang iyong mga hakbang, daanan nila ay doon Kung putik ang dinaanan, pareho kayong mababaon. Ang iyong mga gawi ay kanilang gagayahin Ang iyong mga salita, kanilang sasambitin Ikaw ang mag-aakay sa lahat ng lakarin Kung mali ang landas mo, tuloy kayo sa bangin... *** Local event. Rev. Gaudy Soriano and Rev. E.J. Rapada cordially invite you to attend the 40th Founding Anniversary of the Association of Christian Evangelists (ACE) International and the 27th Founding Anniversary and Awards Night of the National Association of Filipino Americans - New Jersey on April 25, 2015 (Saturday) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m at Step-By-StepDanceport, 24 New Bridge Road, Bergenfield, NJ USA. In support to this event, they request a donation of $40/person; $70/couple; and $10/child to defray food. 5 / 6

6 Proceeds will be used for educational programs and other charitable projects of the associations. Contact Rev. Emiljun Rapada at and Rev Giovanni Paquit at or you can also them at: *** BLESSED EASTER TO ALL! 6 / 6