The synoptic passion narratives are similar, but there are unique elements.  One is the story of the Good Thief in Luke’s Gospel which we hear on this Palm/Passion Sunday.

In all the synoptic stories of the crucifixion, many of those present mock Jesus with the insistence: “If you are the Son of God, save yourself.”  The religious leadership, the soldiers, and even one of the crucified criminals take up this refrain.  Luke, however, includes the story of the Good Thief who admits the wrongdoing of himself and his partner.  He also maintains Jesus’ innocence with some revealing words:

“We have been condemned justly,

for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,

but this man has done nothing criminal.”

Then he said to Jesus,

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

This last request captures the heart of Jesus’ ministry.  Jesus did not come to save himself but to save us.  The Good Thief lays claim to that promise.

I envision Jesus turning his eyes intently to this man and speaking to him directly:

“Amen, I say to you,

today you will be with me in Paradise.”

(Within this story, one might discern elements that characterize our sacrament of reconciliation.  First, we admit our sin, then we seek the Lord’s forgiveness/assistance, and finally we hear the words of pardon and new life.)

The story of the Good Thief has a powerful and beautiful character.  Over the past day, Jesus had been beaten, mocked, and abandoned.  Yet, the Good Thief allows Jesus to turn away from this treatment which culminated with the cross.  This crucified man asks Jesus for the gift that the Lord yearns to give—salvation.  And he receives it!  Even in his last moments as a human being among us, Jesus turns from self and focuses on the other.

The cross is that fullest symbol of total emptying and the giving of new life.

In this next week, we shall hear the passion of Jesus proclaimed twice—once on Palm Sunday from the Gospel of Luke and once on Good Friday from the Gospel of John.  As we hear the scriptural story of Jesus’ total surrender of self for our salvation, let us follow the example of the Good Thief in the confession of our sin and the request for life eternal.

“Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

And, we await in hope for those compassionate words of the crucified Lord:

“Today, you will be with me in Paradise.”