Cycle C

Good News #C52

Christ the King

November 21, 2004

Luke 23:35-43 New American Bible

Luke 23:35-43 New International Version Bible Gateway

Luke 23:43 Today you will be with me in Paradise

What words of comfort Jesus offers even in the face of death! Once I went to visit a lady who had very few hours to live on this earth. I went to instill a little hope and happiness to her. Instead I was overwhelmed with grief. The lady on her death bed ended up being the one giving me comfort. That is the love of God shining through one of his beloved people.

When you make a mistake, God wants you to admit it and ask him for forgiveness. Being humble and truly repentant makes God very proud of you. He will forgive you. Then he will say, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”

When you defend those who are treated unfairly, God rejoices. When you are chosen as a judge for your people God is very proud of you. As a judge, you are helping others to stay on the path of goodness. When you say no to food or drugs that will harm your body, God is excited because he feels you are accepting his help.

When you forgive those who hurt you, and pray for good things to happen to them, God is happy because he sees himself in the reflection of your eyes. He loves to see you smile.

Say the “Our Father” and ask God to give you the love, respect, and understanding needed to get into heaven. He is saving a place for you there. He has a light on for you at the end of your tunnel of life. You just have to keep focused on God. You will get there. You will see the light. Then you will be truly filled with joy!

“Our Father, who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

Copyright © 2004 Joan Y. Edwards