IWKnights Corner for July 19, 2020

Did you know this about the IW Knights of Columbus?

We will continue the presentation of the final words of Jesus. "On the hill at Calvary, from his crucifixion to the moment of his death, Jesus spoke seven different times. These 'Seven Last Words,' as they are called, are rich in meaning for us. Here are a few points for meditation on Jesus’ suffering and death as we contemplate the various sufferings we experience in our own lives."

Below are the words of the final four times Jesus spoke.

• • • • • •  “'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' (Luke 23:24)
            Jesus, as he is being crucified, forgives those who rejected him, sentenced him, tortured him and carried out his execution.
            • • Do I love even my enemies and bless my persecutors as Jesus instructed me?
              • Do I pray that God will forgive those who reject me and hurt me?
              • Am I able truly to forgive them within my heart?"

• • • • • • “I thirst.” (John 19:28)
            As his final moments approach, Jesus asks for something to drink.
            • • Jesus’ thirst was another sign of his human need. Do I see Jesus in those around me who suffer hunger, thirst, homeless, sickness or other deprivations?
              • Do I “hunger and thirst for righteousness,” as Jesus described in the Beatitudes?
              • Do I perform works of mercy for those who suffer physically or spiritually?"

• • • • • • “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
            With his earthly mission accomplished, having sacrificed his very self for the sins of humanity, Jesus acknowledges the end is near.
            • • Do I stay focused on my true vocation — as a child of God and in the state of life to which God called me?
              • Do I practice careful and humble discernment throughout my life so that I stay true to the sacred purpose that God has for my life?
              • What unfinished business do I have ahead of me that I must accomplish as a faithful disciple of Christ before my time on earth comes to an end?"

• • • • • • “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit!” (Luke 23:46)
            With his last breath, Jesus places himself completely in the hands of his loving Father.
            • • Do I keep myself in a state of grace, so that I am always prepared for the possibility of death?
              • Do I avail myself of the sacraments of the Church and maintain a committed life of daily prayer so that I am ready to meet God?
              • If I were to die today, right now, am I ready to commend my spirit to the hands of our heavenly Father?"

You can link to the full article presented above via one of the following sites.  Also, find more about the Knights of Columbus at IWKnights9981.com/bulletin or in facebook.com/IWknights9981 and NOW on Twitter at twitter.com/IwKnights.

Links Related to this week’s column:

Jesus' Seven Last Words to Us
	His final hours give us cause for reflecting on our own lives.
		By Knights of Columbus (4/9/2020)
			On the hill at Calvary, from his crucifixion to the moment of his death, Jesus spoke seven different times.......
			Click here for Article

Prayer for Protection in Time of Pandemic
	A Novena which seeks Our Lady’s Intercession for Protection in Time of Pandemic
		By His Holiness, Pope Francis (3/2020)
		A PRAYER FOR PROTECTION IN TIME OF PANDEMIC (PDF Version)
				Click here for the Prayer