There have been moments when we have reviewed our priorities in life. Perhaps during a Retreat or a Cursillo. For many of us, this moment is a turning point, as these priorities should be examined in light of our afterlife.
So, at the end of our lives, when we are called to render account of our actions and priorities, what do we want to hear from God?
There were two persons also crucified with Jesus, one on each side (Luke 23: 39-43). These two were criminals and had a chance to meet our Lord at the last moment of their lives. And, even so late, they had a chance to respond to our Lord. They lived their lives in sin, they were thieves and probably killers. But at the very end God granted them one last chance to respond to His grace.
At this moment of Jesus’ Passion, we can see how different can be our response to God’s calling. One of them responded by reviling Jesus, saying: “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us”.This man missed the opportunity of his lifetime!
On the other hand, we have Dimas –actually Saint Dimas- “the good thief”. He rebukes the other one saying in reply: “Have you no fear of God…? And indeed, we have been condemned justly”. After a life of crime, recognizing Jesus as our Lord, Dimas repents.
Then, the most beautiful exchange of words occurred. Dimas says to our Lord: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”. And our Lord replied: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” This is precisely the second of the last Seven Words of Jesus in the Cross.
We will always be forgiven when we humble ourselves before the Lord, when we are open to His mercy, when we repent, and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. And let us remember that His forgiveness is eternal and immutable.
So, how are we going to respond to our Lord’s calling? Will we respond like Dimas or would we respond like the other thief, whose name we don’t even know? And something else to ponder: are we going to take the chance of waiting until the very last minute?
So, let’s not wait till the end. Let’s not wait any longer. Let’s live a life according to God’s Will. Let’s recognize Jesus Christ as our King.
In so doing, we can hope to hear His tender, beautiful and heartwarming voice: “today you shall be with me in paradise”.
THE LAST SEVEN WORDS FROM THE CROSS - Series:
Third Word: "Jesus said to his mother: "Woman, this is your son." Then he said to the disciple: "This is your mother."
Fourth Word - "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me"
Fifth Word: "I Thirst"
Sixth Word: "It is finished"
Seventh Word: "Father, into Thy Hands I commend My Spirit"
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