When the hour had come for him to fulfill
the Father's plan of love, Jesus allows a glimpse of the
boundless depth of his filial prayer, not only before
he freely delivered himself up ("Abba . . . not my
will, but yours."), but even in his last words on
the Cross, where prayer and the gift of self are but one:
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they
do"; "Truly, I say to you, today you will be
with me in Paradise", "Woman, behold your son"
- "Behold your mother"; "I thirst.";
"My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?";
"It is finished"; "Father, into your hands
I commit my spirit!" until the "loud cry"
as he expires, giving up his spirit.
