Why does Jesus suggest that He has been forsaken on the cross?

[Stuart]

What does the Church teach about what Jesus meant when he said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

I can’t come up with what might be a simple explanation, so maybe you folks know the answer. Thanks in advance.

Stuart

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear Stuart,

You are right. The answer is quite simple. Jesus was merely beginning Psalm 22:

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?

…my mouth is dried up like a potsherd and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you have laid me in the dust of death.

,My hands and feet have shriveled; I can count all my bones. They stare and gloat over me; they divide my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots…

…You who fear the Lord, praise him!

Far from a statement of dispair, the psalm ends, proclaiming God’s goodness. May we die with such praise of God on our lips!

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.