On the Cross on Calvary, were two thieves also crucified; one to the left and the other to the right of Jesus, as narrated by the Evangelist St Luke. (23:32-43).
The names of these two men were Dysmas (Dismas) and Gestas. Their names can be found in the apocryphal writing of the Gospel of Nicodemus.
It was Dysmas who asked Jesus to remember him when he (Jesus) enters into his kingdom.
This repentant thief has a saintly character and therefore named Saint Dysmas.
I can't but to agree with Matt Friedeman (2016), when he said, from St Dymas, we learn these four points:
1. Dysmas directed his own sword at the side of Jesus -a sword of love and repentance–that opened the heart of Jesus in mercy and forgiveness even before the centurion’s spear tore it asunder.
2. Dysmas’ face was closer to that of Jesus in His last agony, to offer Him a word of comfort, closer even than that of His own mother’s or any of his disciples.
3. Dysmas knew well how to pray (He looked at Jesus and talked!–that is what prayer is). The Church wanted to learn from Dysmas how to pray simply to gain pardon and the grace of perseverance.
4.The Church then taught that Dysmas was now close to Jesus in Heaven. This is where we all want to be, in the presence of Jesus. Now and for all eternity.
The holy quality of these days approaching Good Friday rest on our ability to learn from Dysmas, itself would seem. What about Gestas?
To be continued....
PS: These short teachings come your way this and every Friday of the Season of Lent.
#Ps. _23🙏🏽
#Grace_Abounds💫
Fr Kplorla
For more, kindly download the App using this link: https://goo.gl/A4f8rB
No comments:
Post a Comment