As I was listening to the readings last Sunday at mass, the Palm Sunday readings, I was struck by the words of the thief in a new way. He knew nothing of Jesus, yet he asked his forgiveness and to be remembered as he entered Heaven. I guess he figured he had nothing to lose, right?
Since he was obviously hanging on the cross, he knew what was going to happen to his physical body, he must have had an inkling that maybe there was more.
What really made an impression on me that morning though was Jesus’ response. Basically it was, “sure, see you there”. God’s love and mercy are overwhelming and unfathomable.
It’s funny how we can hear that same bible verse over and over, yet God keeps everything fresh and new. He reveals just what we need when we need it.
God’s love and mercy are overwhelming and unfathomable. Did you get that?
The criminal says “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”
Jesus replies , “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” {Luke 23:42-43}
Jesus hung on the cross so he could say to all of us, “today you will be with me in Paradise”
Have a blessed Easter Tridium. Don’t forget the Divine Mercy Novena starts on Good Friday!
Lovely reflection! “Overwhelming and unfathomable love and mercy”- that’s a great thought to keep close to your heart. I love the that in the infinite wisdom of the church we get to hear the same readings over and over again. So many times, a familiar reading is at the same time all new to me.