Antioch Church Remembers “The Passion” Through The Seven Last Words

Back in 2004, “The Passion of the Christ” was the hot topic of conversation, as Mel Gibson’s movie made its way through the movie theaters. Four years later, the movie has faded into history, but the subject of Jesus’ arrest, death, and resurrection continues to be on the mind of those persons who call themselves Christian. This is especially true for the people of the Antioch United Methodist Church as they offer a special opportunity to think about Jesus’ death in a special art/prayer exhibit called “The Seven Last Words.”

Throughout the ages, from the earliest days of the church, Christian people have used the week before Easter Sunday as a time of special reflection and prayer on the story of Christ’s passion. This week, called “Holy Week” in some traditions, begins with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and then follows the subsequent events, including the Last Supper, Jesus’ praying in Gethsemane, his arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Many Christian churches host special worship service during this week.

The Antioch United Methodist Church is likewise hosting special worship services on Thursday and Friday of Holy Week, but they are going a bit farther in trying to help all think about the implications of Jesus’ death. The Seven Last Words is both an art exhibit and a prayer space designed to help persons connect with the story of Christ’s death through artistic interpretations of the last seven phrases that Jesus is reported to say in the hours and moments leading up to his crucifixion. The goal of the event is to help persons think in new ways about the meaning of Jesus for our world today, and participants are invited to come and interactively engage in reflecting on the person of Jesus.

The Seven Last Words will open in conjunction with the Antioch UMC Spring Fling on Saturday, March 15 at 9 a.m. and be open from 8:00 until 6:00 p.m. on March 16, 5:00 until 9:00 p.m. on March 19-21, and by appointment (by calling 832-6248).

The Antioch United Methodist Church is located on Tusculum Rd, just off Blue Hole Rd., in Antioch.