Bottom Line
A personal story, something funny, something touching, or something vulnerable
A time when you were remembered by someone and it touched you.
Exposition and Background
Crucifixion was a common way to execute criminals. The two men crucified with Jesus were criminals, but they were very different from each other – one, whose name we don’t know, mocked Jesus like the crowd did. The other recognized Jesus’ innocence, goodness, and that something bigger was going on here. His name is St. Dismas – he is recognized as a Saint in the Catholic Church, which is amazing – a hardened criminal met Jesus just hours before his death, repented, was redeemed, and rewarded with eternal life in heaven.
What should the older brother hear?
There are so many people in this scene we might relate to. Are we the jeering soldiers, the rulers, or a silent bystander?
It is easy for us to imagine that because we are Catholics and may think we have never rebelled against God (in any major way perhaps) that we do not deserve to be condemned. In truth, in this scene we would resemble the criminals the most – because scripture says that “the punishment for sin is death.” (cf. Romans 6:23)
If not for Jesus, our immortal soul would have died forever in hell. Instead, we are remembered, redeemed, and rewarded with heaven, if we choose to accept that gift.
Let us not forget our sinfulness, nor that Jesus has not forgotten us! Let’s frequently go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and receive that forgiveness and restoration when we fall.
Let us not look down on those who suffer for their sin. After all, sin is a weight that each of us bear. But in Jesus, there is hope!
What should the younger brother hear?
“Jesus, remember me”
God remembers you. Let that sink in.
Your sins are many, and we all deserve the sentence… but the good news is that Jesus paid for them already. God has not turned away from you because of your sins, he is calling out to you. He is a loving father, and you are his child, he is always waiting for you to return so that he love you, forgive you, and give you eternal life.
Hope has a name, and his name is Jesus!
Action Item / Challenge
Is there someone in your life that you have forgotten, not spoken with in a long time? Let them know you remember them.
Questions
What is the first criminal in the Gospel story thinking? What keeps us and others from recognizing Jesus?
This story from the Gospel has many characters – the rulers, the soldiers, the unrepentant criminal, St. Dismas (the good thief), and many bystanders. Which group(s) can you relate to?
Repeat the bottom line
Remembered, Redeemed, Rewarded.
Hope has a name, his name is Jesus!
