Fulton J. Sheen - The Cries of Jesus From the Cross: A Fulton Sheen Anthology

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

The Cries
of Jesus
from the Cross

A Fulton Sheen
Anthology

Compiled by Al Smith

SOPHIA INSTITUTE PRESS
Manchester, New Hampshire

Copyright 2018 by Al Smith

Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved.

Cover design by LUCAS Art & Design, Jenison, MI, in collaboration with Perceptions Design Studio.

On the cover: Lucas Cranach the Elders Crucifixion ; image courtesy of classicpaintings/Alamy Stock Photo (F6NGYD).

Scripture quotations are taken from the Douay-Rheims edition of the Old and New Testaments.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a review.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Sheen, Fulton J. (Fulton John), 1895-1979, author. | Smith, Al (Allan

J.), editor. | Sheen, Fulton J. (Fulton John), 1895-1979. Cross and the

Beatitudes. | Sheen, Fulton J. (Fulton John), 1895-1979. Rainbow of

sorrow. | Sheen, Fulton J. (Fulton John), 1895-1979. Seven last words. |

Sheen, Fulton J. (Fulton John), 1895-1979. Seven virtues. | Sheen, Fulton

J. (Fulton John), 1895-1979. Seven words of Jesus and Mary. | Sheen,

Fulton J. (Fulton John), 1895-1979. Seven words to the Cross. | Sheen,

Fulton J. (Fulton John), 1895-1979. Victory over vice.

Title: The cries of Jesus from the cross : a Fulton Sheen anthology /

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen ; compiled by Al Smith.

Description: Manchester, New Hampshire : Sophia Institute Press, 2018. |

Includes bibliographical references.

Identifiers: LCCN 2018020285 | ISBN 9781622826209 (pbk. : alk. paper) ePub ISBN 9781622826216

Subjects: LCSH: Jesus Christ Seven last words.

Classification: LCC BT457 .S543 2018 | DDC 232.96/35 dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018020285

To Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom,
in humble petition that,

through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

the world may find its way back to

the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Ad maiorem Dei gloriam
inque hominum salutem

Contents

s7.

Introduction

I have learned more from the crucifix than from any book.

St. Thomas Aquinas

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was a man for all seasons. Over his lifetime, he spent himself for souls, transforming lives with the clear teaching of the truths of Christ and His Church through his books, his radio addresses, his lectures, his television series, and his many newspaper columns.

The topics of this much-sought-after lecturer ranged from the social concerns of the day to matters of faith and morals. With an easy and personable manner, Sheen could strike up a conversation on just about any subject, making numerous friends as well as converts.

During the 1930s and 40s, Fulton Sheen was the featured speaker on The Catholic Hour radio broadcast, and millions of listeners heard his radio addresses each week. His topics ranged from politics and the economy to philosophy and mans eternal pursuit of happiness.

Along with his weekly radio program, Sheen wrote dozens of books and pamphlets. One can safely say that through his writings, thousands of people changed their perspective about God and the Church. Sheen was quoted as saying, There are not one hundred people in the United States who hate the Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they wrongly perceive the Catholic Church to be.

Possessing a burning zeal to dispel the myths about Our Lord and His Church, Sheen gave a series of powerful presentations on Christs Passion and His seven last words from the Cross. As a Scripture scholar, Archbishop Sheen knew full well the power contained in preaching Christ crucified. With St. Paul, he could say, For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified ( 1 Cor. 2:2).

During his last recorded Good Friday address in 1979, Archbishop Sheen spoke of having given this type of reflection on the subject of Christs seven last words from the Cross for the fifty-eighth consecutive time. Whether from the young priest in Peoria, Illinois, the university professor in Washington, D.C., or the bishop in New York, Sheens messages were sure to make an indelible mark on his listeners.

Given their importance and the impact they had on society, it seemed appropriate to bring together in this anthology some of Archbishop Sheens meditations on the words of Jesus and Mary from seven books he wrote from 1933 to 1945:

The Seven Last Words (New York: Century, 1933)

The Cross and the Beatitudes (New York: P. J. Kenedy and Sons, 1937)

The Rainbow of Sorrow (New York: P. J. Kenedy and Sons, 1938)

Victory over Vice (New York: P. J. Kenedy and Sons, 1939)

The Seven Virtues (New York: P. J. Kenedy and Sons, 1940)

Seven Words to the Cross (New York: P. J. Kenedy and Sons, 1944)

Seven Words of Jesus and Mary (New York: P. J. Kenedy and Sons, 1945)

This anthology has been arranged into seven chapters, each of which addresses one of the seven last words spoken by Christ on the Cross. And for each chapter, a passage from each of these books has been selected to provide seven unique reflections for study and meditation.

1. The words spoken by Christ from the Cross

2. The Beatitudes

3. Sorrow and suffering

4. The seven deadly sins

5. Seven virtues

6. Groups who reject the Church and Christs teachings

7. The unity of Jesus and Mary

These reflections may be read one after another as they appear in this book, or they may be read randomly as the reader chooses. Since this anthology comprises seven Sheen titles, the reader may also read one complete book at a time. For example, by reading the fourth reflection from each chapter of this anthology, the reader will have read Sheens Victory over Vice ; or by reading the third reflection from each chapter, he will have read The Rainbow of Sorrow .

As the reader ponders these reflections, he might have to pause for a moment or two over a sentence that is full of deep meaning that stirs the heart. He might also find that Archbishop Sheen has repeated certain lines throughout these reflections to drive home a point or an important theme, as any good teacher would do.

On October 2, 1979, w hen visiting St. Patricks Cathedral in New York City, Pope John Paul II embraced Fulton Sheen and spoke into his ear a blessing and an affirmation. He said: You have written and spoken well of the Lord Jesus Christ. You are a loyal son of the Church.

On the day Archbishop Sheen died (December 9, 1979), he was found in his private chapel before the Eucharist in the shadow of the cross. Archbishop Sheen was a man purified in the fires of love and by the wood of the Cross.

It is hoped that, upon reading these reflections, the reader will concur with the heartfelt affirmation given by St. John Paul II and countless others of Sheens wisdom and fidelity. May these writings by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen evoke a greater love and appreciation for the Church, the Lord Jesus Christ, and His Blessed Mother Mary.

First Word

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.

Father, Forgive Them, for They Know Not What They Do!

It seems to be a fact of human psychology that when death approaches, the human heart speaks its words of love to those whom it holds closest and dearest. There is no reason to suspect that it is otherwise in the case of the Heart of hearts. If He spoke in a graduated order to those whom He loved most, then we may expect to find in His first three words the order of His love and affection. His first words went out to enemies: Father, forgive them; His second to sinners: This day you will be with me in paradise; and His third to saints: Woman, behold your son. Enemies, sinners, and saints such is the order of divine love and thoughtfulness.