Introduction
The Reflection of The Mercy of Jesus, the King, on the Cross, according to the Gospel of Luke, contains the text of Jesus forgiving a criminal on the cross and accepting him into Paradise.
The Gospel Account
This Gospel reflection is about the story of Jesus dying on the cross, ridiculed by the rulers of the Jewish people. Two criminals are crucified with him. One criminal scoffs at Jesus. The other acknowledges his wrongdoing and asks Jesus to remember him, when Jesus comes into his Kingdom. Jesus replies that very day, the other will be with Jesus in paradise. The fullness of Jesus’ mercy shines through the darkness of the cross.
The full text of the Scripture may be found in Luke 23:34-43.
The Five Decades
When you pray the five decades of this Rosary Reflection, use these five moments from Mary’s prayer in the Gospel. Read the Gospel verses for each decade and let the words sink in as you pray that decade.
First Decade: Jesus on the Cross (Luke 23:35-38)
The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God. Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine, they called out, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.”
Second Decade: Jesus is Reviled (Luke 23:39)
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.”
Third Decade: Jesus is Defended (Luke 23:40-41)
The other, however, rebuking him said, “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 had done nothing criminal.”
Fourth Decade: “Jesus, Remember Me” (Luke 23:42)
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Fifth Decade: Jesus Unlocks the Door to Paradise (Luke 23:43)
Jesus replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
What to Remember
These Gospel verses reflect the grace and power of Jesus to forgive sin, remember us, and grant paradise to those who ask him for it.
As a follower of Jesus, you can pray for the fullness of Jesus’ mercy to unlock and open the door of paradise to those who have committed crimes that offend God and hurt themselves and others. You can also ask the “Saints in Your Corner,” those who have died and abide in God’s glory (Mary, your family, friends and canonized saints), to help you ask Jesus to remember them and bring them to be home with him in Paradise.
Intention and Prayer Circle
The Person I am Asking Jesus to Remember
“Saints in My Corner” Prayer Circle Asking Too:
When This Gospel Appears
Luke’s Gospel account in the Gospel reading on the Feast of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, in Cycle C of the Lectionary. The latest appearance is November 20, 2022.
* Scripture passages are from the United Conference of Catholic Bishops website, https://usccb.org/bibleJesus is Reviled (Luke 23:39)“Jesus, Remember Me” (Luke 23:42)
