Dear Parishioners of Mary Immaculate and Saint Rose,
I continue to reflect on the words of Jesus from the Cross. On this second Sunday of Lent the words are from the Gospel of Luke. They are the words spoken by Jesus in answer to one of the thieves who was crucified alongside Him. The thief says, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.”  Jesus replies. . .
Luke 23:43 “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Jesus was crucified because He was considered a threat to the governance of the Roman Empire. For us, who know and love Jesus, it is so difficult to see how such a gentle and loving shepherd could be seen as any kind of a threat to the mighty Roman Empire. But if we look at the miracles He worked, it can reveal how He could be considered dangerous. Jesus multiplied loaves and fish.  He healed the sick and the suffering. He was even able to raise people from the dead. Finally, Jesus attracted crowds of thousands. So, if one were a military person and saw a potential enemy who was able to feed thousands, cure the wounded, and raise the slain from the dead, it is easy to see how Jesus could lead an invincible army! How true and yet how far from the truth!
Jesus is crucified with two others who are also seen as a threat to the ruling government.  One of the thieves chastises Jesus and tells Him to use His power to save them. The other thief (whose name from tradition is Dismas) recognizes that Jesus does have the power to save, and so casts himself on the mercy of Jesus.
Who would have ever thought that the crucifixion could be a blessing?  Indeed, it is the very door through which Dismas will enter the heavenly kingdom. How often in our day to day life do we see the suffering of the Cross and then miss the blessing that comes from it. One of the pious phrases that often comes from Catholic lips was, “Offer it up!” This was an effort to use the thousand and one irritations of daily life as a means of sanctification. Through offering it up, we join our crosses to the Cross of Christ.
In these days there seems to be a constant series of complaints. So perhaps it is time to again take these words Offer it up!  to heart.
Saint Dismas reminds us that there is no salvation without the Cross.  And who does not long to hear the assurance that he heard from Jesus. . .”You will be with me in Paradise!”
Msgr. Cox