A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 23:35-43
The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, "He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God." Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, "If you are King of the Jews, save yourself." Above him there was an inscription that read, "This is the King of the Jews." Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Christ? 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." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you,oday you will be with me in Paradise."
REFLECTION: "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
These are words that we all would love to hear as we near our stay on earth.
Today is the end of the Liturgical year. We celebrate the Feast of Christ, the King of the Universe. God gave all power to Jesus both in heaven and earth, making Him King of the whole world.
In today's gospel we meet Jesus hanging on the cross--our King--disfigured, suffering so horribly, and mocked by all in attendance at His crucifixion. Jesus freely gave His life for the sake of our redemption.
And in forgiving the thief who asked for forgiveness, saved him. "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
As the thief, we seek God's forgiveness. God gave the thief the gift of divine salvation and will give it to us as well.
God Bless You
