Thought of the Day April 3, 2019 Jesus forgives us
In Jesus' forgiveness of the Good Thief, we see the magnanimity of God. St. Ambrose says, "The Lord always grants
more than we ask; the thief prayed that Jesus would remember him, and Jesus
said, ‘Today you shall be with me in Paradise.’”
When
the man asked for remembrance, he had no idea how the memory of his act will
resound throughout the centuries, immortalizing him. Some of the saints have
declared that he indeed died a martyr’s death. His words and actions offer us hope for
salvation. For if we turn our hearts and prayers to Jesus and accept his
forgiveness, we will also be with Jesus Christ at the end of our lives. At the same time, we need to forgive others.
“O
cross of Christ, today too we see you in the contrite, who in the depths of the
misery of their sins, are able to cry out: Lord, remember me in your kingdom.”
(John Paul II)
Merciful
Savior, and friend of the human race, you heard the repentant plea of the
criminal on your right hand and promised him paradise for his faith. As we are
dying in the midst of our sins, let us hear this same word from your lips in
response to our prayer of faith and the life-giving power of your holy
sacraments. Blest be your undying mercy, now and forever. Amen.
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