Gospel and Homily for Stations of the Cross, March 6, 2020

The Crucifixion, Luke 23: 33-43 – A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Luke:

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”]

They divided his garments by casting lots.

The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God.”

Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine, they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.”

Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.”

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.”
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today let’s think about the bad thief and his actions and attitudes, and how those sometimes actions and attitudes, reminds us of our own actions and attitudes.  “Sometimes, like the bad thief, we wish to be taken down from our cross. Frustrated with what we're suffering … we even question Jesus' divinity, wondering "Why doesn't He just remove this suffering!?”  [Marc Massery]

This Lent work at resisting the temptation to tell God what to do, instead ask God for the grace to live what is!  Living what come our way is difficult when the stuff that enters our life is the bitter herbs of suffering and hardship.  Fasting is part of Lent but fasting the right way with the right attitude is essential to our growth in God.

Reflect on the attitude and behavior of the unrepented criminal – he wanted his selfish interests, not God’s will for his life!  Take a few minutes, in silence, to reflect on St. Francis de Sales’ Direction of Intention Prayer:
“My God, I give you this day.

I offer you, now, all of the good that I shall do …

and I promise to accept, for love of you,

all of the difficulty that I shall meet.

Help me to conduct myself during this day

In a manner pleasing to you.”  Amen.

May God Be Praised!