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Oscar Wilde got it. His last words, as he lay in his sickbed, were, “Either that wallpaper goes, or I do.” So to did the Roman Emperor Vespasian. Believing that emperors
became divine after death, he came up this this as he breathed his last: “Oh dear, I think I’m becoming a god.”

That’s the ticket. If you can’t think of anything profound to say on your deathbed, at least make people laugh. Last words, you see, are important. Your last words are the chance to say something profound, something inspiring, something they will remember you for.

Last words are so important that it’s worth spending a few minutes to create some. Then put them somewhere safe so that you can pull them out and amaze your family
and friends when the Grim Reaper taps his bony fingers on your door. The Gospel writers believed Jesus’ final words were so vital that they recorded them with accuracy and with context. It’s only right and helpful in our Lenten journey to draw aside and read those final words. When we do we will learn and grow.

Last Sunday the Welcome Course finished its 8-week run. (Look out for its return for a new season in the Fall.) We have just four Sundays left before Easter – four chances to study Jesus’ last words from the cross. So, I’m excited to announce that the adult formation classes at 9:15 on Sundays will be on the theme of Jesus’ Final Words.

The Gospels record seven distinct statements by Jesus on the cross. Each Sunday until (and including) Palm Sunday, Mark and I will lead a Bible study on one of these seven statements. The three that we do not study will be the topic of my Good Friday sermon in church at 12:05 p.m.

So, please come to the library at 9:15 each Sunday to learn and to share your thoughts on these important words. Here’s the schedule:
March 23: “Father forgive them”
March 30: “Today you’ll be with me in paradise”
April 6: “Why have you forsaken me?”
April 13: “Into your hands I commit my spirit”
Good Friday “I thirst”, “Behold your son… behold your mother”, and “It is finished.”