Today you will be with me in paradise

It has been quite a few weeks, wrapping things up in the Uni and getting settled into the new job. Tonight I managed to find some time to write this reflection. Jesus mutter this phrase:"Today you will be with me in paradise." to the repentent thief. This was part of the Gospel passage last week I think...

This phrase has been stuck in my head for awhile now. I have always been affected by the response of people, especially the bad and horrible ones. Just the other day, there was this young chap in church, who was perpectually with a black face, on the two occasions I turned in his direction. First at the start of mass when we were invited to greet those around us and during the sign of peace. I'm not sure about you but it always stirs up the anger within me when people do that. I found it very very difficult to initiate a smile, let alone extend the sign of peace, but I know it is really God's peace that we extend to people. I had to force a smile, and when I returned to face the altar, looking at Christ hanging on the cross, I remembered this phrase. This chap in church may represent the unrepentent thief, but he may also represent the repentent thief in the future. Nobody knows for sure but one thing is certain, is that God loves everyone, irregardless of whether we are good or bad. As long as we are repentent in the end, that is the most important. We will be in paradise with Christ. I pray for that chap but also for myself to acknowledge that I need to be Christlike even to those who may annoy me.


This week being the first week of advent, which coincidentally is also my first week at work, I pray that God prepare my heart as we welcome Chirst's birth. In the process, I pray that I will be more like Christ in my dealings and interactions with people.

May we all experience Chirst's birth in a very special way this Christmas and shine His Light in the world.