Jesus, remember me

 Palm Sunday of the Passion of Our Lord Year C - 10th April 2022

Gospel Luke 22: 14–23: 56 (part)

When they reached the place called The Skull, they crucified him there and the two criminals also, one on the right, the other on the left. Jesus said, ‘Father forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.’ Then they cast lots to share out his clothing. The people stayed there watching him. As for the leaders, they jeered at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.’ The soldiers mocked him too, and when they approached to offer him vinegar they said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’ Above him there was an inscription: ‘This is the King of the Jews’.

One of the criminals hanging there abused him, saying, ‘Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us as well.’ But the other spoke up and rebuked him. ‘Have you no fear of God at all? You got the same sentence as he did, but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Indeed, I promise you, today you will be with me in paradise.’

It was now about the sixth hour and, with the sun eclipsed, a darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. The veil of the Temple was torn right down the middle and when Jesus had cried out in a loud voice, he said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’. And with these words he breathed his last.

The Cross as Tree of Life, San Clemente, Rome

Gospel Reflection from  St Beuno's Outreach

Coming to my prayer, I do not rush; I allow myself to become still in body and mind in the presence of God. I ask the Holy Spirit to help me.

I may like to place myself somewhere in the scene as I read this familiar gospel passage slowly. What do I see, hear, taste, smell, touch ...? With whom do I identify or want to speak? What do I notice about Jesus?

I ponder what I want to say to Jesus. Perhaps I may speak with him about his choice to become a human being for me, leaving his eternal life to die in this way because of my sinfulness.

Then I share with Jesus how I have responded to him in the past, how I long to respond now, and how I hope to respond to him in the future.

I remember that, although I am a sinner, I am also uniquely loved and already forgiven by God. Jesus remembers me and loves me! For this I thank God, ending my prayer with praise. Glory be ...