Lent 36

2. I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.

I try so hard to find the right things to do, the right things to say, even the right things to believe. Every day is another day I struggle to live my life in a way that is pleasing to God and to be a faithful follower. The most difficult to understand of Christ's last words is the one that I strangely find the most comfort in hearing. The man hanging next to Jesus was not one of his followers. The one memorable thing that man said was, "Jesus, remember me." And scripture tells us that Jesus said, "Today you will be with me in paradise."

Jesus, remember me. I am reminded of a saying that I've heard quoted in at least a couple of places but have never found out who said it, precisely. A monk once said, "Father, I don't always know the right thing to do, but I think the fact that I want to please you pleases you." I still want to find the right thing to do. I still want to grow in holiness and to have the mind that was in Christ. But as I fail in my struggle, Jesus, remember me. And I find grace in the knowledge of God's transcendent grace, transcendent because it is freely offered and I don't have to earn it. Jesus, remember me.


Let the songs I sing bring joy to you.
Let the words I say confess my love.
Let the notes I choose be your favorite tune.

Father, let my heart be after you.

-Needtobreathe, Garden