In this final talk of his Holy Week mission series, “Close to Jesus to the Last: The Passion of Christ in Five Parts,” Fr. Rocky brings us right to the foot of the Cross.

🌿 Palm Sunday to Good Friday: How Did We Get Here?

Fr. Rocky begins with that jarring shift: from the crowds shouting “Hosanna!” on Sunday to “Crucify him!” by Friday. 

How often do we flip like that?

One minute on fire for Jesus, the next distracted, indifferent, even cold. 😔

He gently reminds us: this is what sin does. Like the Israelites at Mount Sinai, we’re prone to forget, to worship lesser gods, to wander. That’s why we need constant reminders, deep prayer, and God’s grace just to stay faithful.

The Seven Last Words: More Than Just Famous Lines

Fr. Rocky walks us through the Seven Last Words of Christ... to let them speak personally into our lives.

Each one is like a window into the heart of Jesus:

“Father, forgive them…” Yep, even those people in your life

“I thirst.” Not just for water, but for you

“It is finished.” Not a cry of defeat, but a victorious surrender 

These words are alive... offering healing, purpose, and a way back home if you’ve wandered.

🕊️ Forgiveness: The Center of it All

At the heart of this meditation is forgiveness. Not the easy kind. The radical, undeserved, Prodigal-Son-style mercy that God gives us again and again.

Fr. Rocky brings in the Lord’s Prayer, Zacchaeus, the Prodigal Son, and reminds us:

If we want to walk with Jesus through His Passion, we have to forgive.

Not just because it’s the “nice” thing to do, but because we’ve been forgiven first. And when we cling to grudges, we’re not just hurting others... we’re keeping ourselves from receiving the full freedom of Christ’s love. 🕊️💔

💭 This Isn’t Just a History Lesson. It’s Your Story.

Good Friday is about encountering Jesus: bruised, beaten, and bleeding for your sake.

Fr. Rocky’s message is clear, tender, and challenging:

👉 Will we stay close to Jesus... right to the end?

👉 Will we stop holding back and finally give Him everything?

👉 Will we let His suffering change our hearts, especially where we need to forgive?

🎧 Want to go deeper?

You can listen to Fr. Rocky’s entire Holy Week Mission right here:

👉 Relevant Radio Holy Week Mission Talks

These reflections are perfect to pray with in the car, on a walk, or in that quiet Holy Week moment when you finally exhale and say: “Jesus, I want to be close to You again.”

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.