Stations of the Cross - Eleventh Station: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief

*Note for Catholics: The following stations of the cross are presented here as an alternative to the traditional stations that you would know. This alternative set ties in scripture, and serves as a way of reflecting more deeply on the Scriptural accounts of Christ's passion, for the benefit of our protestant brothers and sisters on this journey.

Examination of conscience
Please take a couple of minutes becoming aware of the things we have done to offend God in the last 24 hours.

Act of Contrition
Lord, You promised that Your words will set us free. We know that no sin is unforgiveable as long as we are truly repentant for each sin. I turn away from my sin and toward You. I vow to try not to sin again.

Eleventh Station: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us." The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, "Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." - Luke 23: 39-43

Reflection
On our 11th station, we witness Jesus' most powerful love in the form of His assurance to the sinner who recognised his sin and recognised his powerlessness to save Himself. Once we learn to look to Him and repent fully from sin, He frees us from pain and gives us paradise - true happiness.

Prayer
Lord, grant us perseverance that we may never stop seeking you. Amen