GOOD FRIDAY

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

 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

On this most solemn day, the Church invites us to stand at the foot of the Cross. We listen in silence. We gaze in sorrow. And yet, in the midst of pain and death, a voice breaks through—simple, desperate, sincere: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

These words were spoken by a thief—a criminal—someone society had discarded. Yet in his final moments, he saw something the others missed: not just a man dying, but a King reigning from the Cross. He did not ask for rescue. He did not bargain for a miracle. He simply asked to be remembered.

And Jesus, with all the agony of crucifixion crushing His body, turned and gave the most astonishing response: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

This brief exchange between the dying Christ and the penitent thief captures the very heart of Good Friday. Let us reflect on what it teaches us.

Mercy is never too late.

This man had wasted his life. He was guilty, by his own admission. But in his last breath, he turned to Jesus with faith—and was received with open arms. It reminds us that God’s mercy is never out of reach, even in our darkest hour. No sin is too great. No past too broken. As long as we turn to Jesus with sincerity, the gates of Paradise remain open.

The Cross is the throne of Christ.

To the world, the Cross looks like defeat. But the good thief recognized the truth: Jesus was not a victim—He was a King. He wore a crown of thorns, yes—but He reigned with love, with forgiveness, and with power that the world could not understand. The Cross is not the end. It is the path to resurrection.

Salvation is personal.

Notice what the thief says: “Jesus, remember me.” It is not a general prayer, but a personal plea. And Jesus responds just as personally: “You will be with me in Paradise.” Our faith is not just about doctrine or ritual—it is a relationship with the One who knows us, loves us, and died for each of us by name.

Paradise begins with presence.

Jesus doesn’t say, “Someday” or “After the final judgment.” He says, “Today.” And not just, “You will be in Paradise,” but, “You will be with me in Paradise.” Heaven is not only a place—it is communion with Jesus. And that communion can begin even now, when we open our hearts to Him.

Dear friends, today we mourn the death of our Savior. But we also cling to hope—because the Cross, once a sign of condemnation, has become the bridge to eternal life. Like the good thief, let us turn to Jesus, not hiding our wounds, but showing them in faith.

“Jesus, remember me…”

Let that be the prayer of our hearts today.

And may His answer echo in our souls:

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

Amen.