Sunday Reflection: The Good Thief?

Today's reflection is brought to you by 

Thanks to Philip K for sharing
this image on Flickr

Luke 23: 32-33, 39-43.

The three of us walked 

the same path

to the top of 

the hill.

We were subjected 

to the same punishment

and felt the same pain.

Or did we?

Two of us

deserved it

according to the

colonizers' law.

But you.

While we were engaged

in cutthroat pursuits,

you were helping

and healing

and talking about

--and showing--

how to love.

You.

In agony,

like we were,

for no reason

that I could see.

My partner-in-crime

muttered and scoffed

at the would-be-Messiah

hanging between us.

I am sure 

you heard him too

and finally, 

I could bear it no longer.

We have been condemned justly,

for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds,

but this man has done nothing wrong.

Jesus,

remember me 

when you come into your kingdom.

I could not 

see your face,

nor you, 

mine.

I knew of your deeds

from the stories 

people told.

What did you know of me?

Did you know 

the atrocities

I committed?

You made

no comment,

asked no question,

nor insisted on confession.

Just

Truly, 

I tell you,

today you will be with me in Paradise.

Millennia pass

and I become known as

the Good Thief.

But that's not 

it 

at all.

You welcomed 

me

as you welcome

everyone.

No matter what.

You offered love to 

me

as you offer it to 

all.

We may not be 

all that we could be,

we may not even be 

good,

but you love us 

into Paradise.

Period.

Thank you 

for your grace,

which makes up

for all we lack

and loves us 

home.

+Amen.