Thought of the Day March 29, 2019 "This day you will be with me in paradise."
Today, we begin our reflection on the second phrase that Jesus uttered from the cross.
According to Luke's Gospel, Jesus was crucified between two thieves (traditionally named Dismas and Gestas). Not only, is Jesus mocked by the religious leaders and soldiers present, but one of the criminals chastises Jesus even further.
We read in Luke’s Gospel the account.
“Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.’ The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, ‘Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus responded: 'Today, you will be with me in paradise.'"
John
Paul II: “The promise of a new life. This is the first fruit of the
Passion and imminent Death of Christ. A word of hope to man.”
Pope
Francis: “Remember me…” (Lk 23:42). The fraternal plea
of the thief who became his companion in suffering, pierces Jesus’ heart; it is
an echo of his own pain. And Jesus grants that request: “Today you will be
with me in paradise” The pain of others always redeems us, since it
draws us out of ourselves.”
The
key word of this phrase by Jesus is salvation.
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