The repentant brigand

"For us, we are there precisely because we receive what the acts we have committed deserve ; but he did not do anything that should not be done." Luke 23. 41

For the justice of men, these two brigands crucified on both sides of Jesus are no better than the other. We have the same appreciation when we see them both insulting the one who is in the midst of them.

But now one of them changes completely from speech. His lucidity is amazing. He vigorously takes the defense of the Lord that his companion has provoked and challenged to deliver himself. Yet he who is punished with them has been condemned by all classes of society and first by religious leaders. How could this brigand have understood that this man is innocent and to affirm that he "has done nothing that should not be done" ?

The fear of God, hidden in the depths of this man who was not afraid to violate human laws, differentiated him from the other. It is she who reveals to her the holiness of Jesus.

He acknowledges his mistakes : "We receive what the acts that we have committed deserve." He thus takes the first step that every man must accomplish in order to approach God, that of repentance. He believes that beside him the innocent will pay in his place and free him from his sins. He believes so well that he does not ask : "Do not remember my sins." He is assured of his salvation and above all, alone among all those who attend this spectacle, he believes in the resurrection of Jesus. He believes in his title of king and in the actual taking of possession of his kingdom.

The fact that the faith of this man is expressed on a cross makes it even more exceptional. That is why the answer is up to this faith. The brigand asked that the Lord remember him, the answer is a wonderful assurance : "You will be with me". He said "when you come ...", the answer is : "Today". He said "in your kingdom", the answer is "in paradise".

This repentant brigand, what an example of faith, lucidity, and courage !

Source (To pleasing the Lord)