ST. LUKE 23:34a
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2007
WORTHY OR UNWORTHY?
34 Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what
they do." St. Luke 23:34a (NKJV)
This is my favorite of the Seven Last Words of Jesus from the Cross.
They all speak to me, but this one I can relate to daily. When we read
the sentences that come before and that follow these words, we can get
the mistaken idea that Jesus is talking only to the soldiers who nailed
Him to the Cross. After they have finished nailing Him to the Cross, we
are told that they parted His garment and cast lots for it.
If Jesus was only offering forgiveness to the soldiers, these words
would have no meaning for us today. We remember that the soldiers just
nailed Him to the Cross, but that it was the sins of all those who have
ever lived and will ever live that placed Him here.
Even more important than the words is the fact that Jesus backed up His
Words with His Actions. Just the night before He talked about His Body
broken and Blood shed for us.
The thief on the Cross heard those words spoken to him.
Peter who denied Christ heard those words spoken to him.
Over the years, I have heard those words spoken to me.
Have you?
WE PRAY: LORD, you strengthen me each time I come to you in faith to
receive the gift of your Body and Blood. Help me to grow each day so
that I might walk more faithfully in your Name. AMEN
A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION
Take some time to make a list of things that you receive that you have
not earned. You might be amazed at the long list you will have.