Model yourself on the good thief, says Pope

Pope at General Audience

The good thief who spoke to Jesus on the Cross is our model for approaching God, the Pope said today (Wednesday, September 28) at his General Audience.

Referring to Luke's account of the Passion, the Pope said that Jesus' words during the Crucifixion culminate in forgiveness as he says, 'Father forgive them; for they do not know what they do (Lk: 23:34)'

"For the good thief, these are not mere words, for Jesus truly forgives him. For the bad thief, however, it is inconceivable that the Messiah would remain on the Cross and not save Himself. But it is precisely by remaining on the Cross that Jesus offers salvation to every person regardless of their situation," said the Pope.

He concluded: "The good thief helps us to understand how we should approach God: with awe and not fear, with respect for God's power and infinite goodness.

When we approach Him in this way, we entrust ourselves to His mercy, even in the darkest of moments. For God is always with us sinners, and He loves us even to death on the Cross."

The Holy Father urged believers to " see in the good thief a model of confidence in the Lord." and to imitate him by calling "upon Jesus' name" and asking the Lord "to remember us in Paradise."