Today in Paradise

Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with Jesus. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:32-43 

We all make mistakes, some big, some small. And we all have different ideas of paradise and/or heaven. We want to be surrounded by beauty and those we love, even if we don't deserve it. More than just having the pain of living ended, we want to be promised a hereafter that is more than just a void, more than just pain free.

We find Jesus living the pain of being nailed to a cross. He is being xhamed and teased. In the midst of all of that human creulty he prays for their forgiveness and healing. One of the criminals asked to be remembered and forgiven. Paradise in a few mere minutes is promised. This scene has always delighted and broekn my heart. We humans are so good a judging others and condemning them. Yet God wants us to be joined together in paradise, despite our misdeeds, minor or heinous. We are invited in the depths of pain and failure, to know that God is inviting us in, at all times.

Today, I ask God to help me live as one who forgives and chooses not to judge. May we live the love that God so freely gives.