How the TRUTH died between 'Two Thieves'- A Lenten Message '18

HOW the TRUTH died between 'Two Thieves' - 30/03/2018

A Conversation From the Cross...

Opportunist Vs Hypocrite

In a thought provoking book Graham Reeves explores the deeper meaning of the thieves conversation with Jesus Christ.

The lessons from the thieves in the crucifixion narrative of St Luke, we find ourselves to the right and left of Jesus. How do their response to Jesus inform our own faith and understanding of God...? Which of the two thieves are you...?Through self-examination we learn to discern the good and the bad within us on our spiritual journey. The very cross was the tribunal of Christ - For the judge was placed in the middle and ultimately we find the choice of the two thieves is also our choice.....

In locating ourselves there, we also learn more deeply about the God who is rich in mercy. Our human desire to divide neatly into right and left deserving and undeserving, good and bad in the triumph of God's mercy; can even the so called impenitent thief be excluded from the Kingdom ??   

Luke's unnamed penitent thief was later assigned the name "Dismas" in the gospel of Nicodemus: portions of which dated to the 4th century.

The Greek word meaning:'Sunset' or 'Death' as the thief on the right side of Christ -

And the impenitent thief on the left side was named "Gestas" meaning:'Complain' or 'Deeds' or 'Acts' who taunted Jesus along with the crowd saying:"Aren't you the Christ ? Save yourself and us" ! [Luke 23:40-43] 

While 'Dismis' asked for mercy saying:'Remember me when you come into your Kingdom." The response was instant pardon to the criminal who believed in him and answered:'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."

At Christ's death, the barrier between God and man was split in two... Now all people can approach God directly through Christ (Hebrews 9:1-14; 10:19-22)

With Prayers & Best Wishes

\\o// Baboi George

Malayalees Community (U.K.)