"Let the good thief show us the confidence we can have in pardon. He was
not good because he was a thief, since his cruelty led him to that. His
confession of guilt made him good. Think how incomprehensible is the
mercy of our all-powerful God! The thief was caught red-handed in his
thievery and hanged on a cross. There he confessed his guilt, there he
was forgiven, there he was found worthy to hear Jesus say to him'Today
you will be with me in paradise.' How can we begin to describe God's
great goodness! How can we begin to value it? From a criminal's
punishment the thief came to the prize for virtue."
St. Gregory the Great.
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to
try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to
the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory
is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12-13
Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you.
