"One of the criminals hanging in crucifixion blasphemed [Jesus]: ‘Aren't You the Messiah? Then save Yourself and us.' But the other one rebuked him: ‘Have you no fear of God, seeing you are under the same sentence?' " (Lk 23:39-40) Today's Gospel passage from St. Luke confirms that every action has a consequence. Are we living for the world like the bad thief? Or do we have the eternal perspective of the good thief?
This passage changed my life. Many years ago, at Mass, our merciful Savior cut through my apathy. As I listened to the good thief chastise the bad thief, I became completely focused. I was no longer daydreaming. The passage concluded with those most precious words of our Lord, "I assure you: this day you will be with Me in paradise" (Lk 23:43). It was the first time a Bible verse gripped me to the core. I immediately thought, "If that remorseful criminal can be saved, why not me?"
But why was the good thief saved? In addition to repenting, he performed several "good works." He:
Jesus canonized a saint into heaven from the cross! How will this change your perspective?
| PRAYER: | Father, my sins are as a drop of water in Your eyes. I will not reject Your ocean of mercy. |
| PROMISE: | "The Lord God is My help, therefore I am not disgraced." ––Is 50:7 |
| PRAISE: | "Blessed is the reign of our father David to come!" (Mk 11:10) |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College