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Bible reference:

Luke 23:39-43

“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”."

Reflection:

Jesus never gives up on us – he is always there, even in the worst circumstances. Even when facing his own, agonising death by crucifixion, Jesus is still saving, still reaching out, still rescuing us.  The penitent thief realises that he has done wrong and that his own punishment is deserved.  He asks Jesus to remember him when he comes into his kingdom.  Jesus hears his request and comforts him with the words “today you will be with me in Paradise”.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you never cease calling us to you, forgiving us, rescuing us and giving us the hope of eternal life.  Thank you for being our Saviour and Redeemer and for always being there for us.  May I come to know you in my life and not leave it until my life is nearly over, like the penitent thief.    May I never be lost but come to eternal life with you in heaven.  Amen.

Details of painting:   Oil on canvas 18” x 24” (2021)

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Themes:       God the Son;   Saying sorry;   Asking;   Listening;   Lent