Late

The thief said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

            When I was growing up, I had a friend who was five minutes late for everything. Some of the Teachers at school nicknamed him “Better late than never.” However, despite his tardiness he never failed to show up for any commitment. It was just that he was five minutes late.

            In this passage from John, one of the criminals asks Jesus to remember him when he comes into the Kingdom. By doing so, he indicates that it is never too late to be saved.

            During Christ’s lifetime, groups of people in Israel revolted against Roman Rule on a few occasions. The rebellions were usually a response to high taxes or some oppressive action taken by the Government against a local Community. These revolts frequently involved a few hundred individuals led by someone local and always ended in failure. Barabbas and the criminals killed with Jesus likely participated in such a rebellion. Some Jews probably saw Jesus as the leader of a similar kind of Movement. While one thief sought earthly rescue from his situation, the other’s concern went beyond himself. Christ’s execution was unjust. He was no criminal. Although the Good Thief’s Theology was likely incomplete it recognized the truth when presented with it. As he awaited death, he appealed for mercy from Jesus. He was a sinner and acknowledged it. In his response, Jesus revealed it was never too late for Salvation.

            Modern Society has an ambiguous approach to punctuality. People expect others to be on  time but ask for patience when they are late. They do not like to wait in line and often walk away after only a brief time of doing so. Schedules pack too many events into not enough time. While it is convenient when things occur on time it is more important they actually happen. Catholics and other people of Faith understand Life operates according to God’s timetable not their own. It often takes longer than they like for things to occur. They may get nervous that maybe what they want to happen never does. However, the important things always occur because they are part of God’s plan. The Good Thief in today’s passage was probably in the last moments of his life when the most important event in it happened: better late than never.

            Perhaps my friend knew something it took me years to learn. The most important thing is to show up. If Jesus can wait so can other people.

April 10, 2022