From today’s reading...
and in him we enjoy our freedom, the forgiveness of sin.” Colossians 1:14
In Luke 23 today, we read of the Penitent Thief, also known as the Good Thief, Wise Thief, Grateful Thief, or Thief on the Cross.
“Like other personalities close to the story of Jesus, we know little about Dismas. The Christian community constructed a story to fill in this gap, including his name—in some traditions, he is known as Titus or Zoathan. The most popular name, Dismas, was adopted from the Greek word for “sunset” or “death,” and began to be used in stories dating from the fourth century.” (faith.ND.Edu)
When the Good Thief spoke up to defend Jesus, Jesus said to him, “‘In truth I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise’” (Luke 23:43b).
That is the ultimate freedom: being forgiven of our sins by Jesus so we can spend all eternity in paradise with Him.
So speak up.
Speak the truth.
Defend the Truth.
Seek forgiveness, which is the only way to...
Stay the course.
Keep the faith.
Endure.
Now go sell something.