on the seven words of Jesus on the cross should test our deepest theological convictions. “Mystery” does not name a puzzle that cannot be solved. Rather, “mystery” names that which we know, but the more we know, the more we are forced to rethink everything we think we know. So it is my hope that these meditations respect the mystery—a mystery apparent in these words of Jesus from the cross—our faith in God requires. Put differently, I have tried to approach these seven words in a manner that refuses