Introduction

In the Gospel of Mark's account of the Passion narrative, Jesus calls out from the cross "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which is the Aramaic for "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" - the first line of Psalm 22. It’s an anguished expression - traditionally ascribed to King David - of defeat, failure, abandonment and despair.

This series of reflections, written for Lent and Holy Week 2023 by the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, ponders the significance of these words. What does it mean for Jesus to have quoted them, at the very end of his life? What do those words mean for us?

This is a beautiful and compelling exploration of the dark, suffering side of the Passion - and how Jesus' words lead us to the greatest hope of all.