703 the second word condemned to an eternal one. Despite assenting to the Hebrews, with whom he briefly had hurled blasphemies against the kindest Jesus, yet meanwhile, being changed by the sudden effulgence of the neighboring Sun, he recanted what he had earlier said. Boldly, he criticized his companion in punishment and blasphemy, reprimanding him: “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong” (Lk 23:40-41). Thief! Have the courage to say even more! This innocent One whom you defend is God: He is your Redeemer; for you He undertakes willingly these sufferings that you admire. In fact, why do you not rather reconcile with Him by a mighty supplication? Do this by saying: “Jesus, remember me when [Y]ou come into [Y]our kingdom” (Lk 23:42) [NAB]. Was he [the thief ] not able to conquer by these words the most humble heart of the Lord? Indeed, he conquered! The good Lord granted the guilty one [pardon] of his sin. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with [M]e in Paradise.” Hearing these words, St. John Chrysostom, filled with much admiration, explains: “That Thief34 bought the salvation of the world from the Cross; this thief steals the heavenly kingdom and inflicts violence upon the Divine Majesty.”35 How does he do this? [He does this] through sincere, though belated, penance. Recognizing his own sins, he feels contrition and, being filled with humility, he confesses to Jesus, the High Priest, crucified with him. Therefore, the aforementioned Doctor encourages us again in other words: “Did you see the thief and the captor of paradise, who did not forget his trade even on the cross, but stole the Kingdom through his own confession?” Thus St. Cyprian of Carthage, Bishop and Martyr, considering him [the thief ] to be the most 34 The author is using the word “thief ” in reference to Jesus and to the thief crucified with Him. He has in mind a double analogy: Both are on the cross and both acquire salvation — Jesus for the entire world, the thief for himself. 35 Chrysostomus, De Cruce et Latrone, hom., in: CLCE, t. III: In SS. Marcum et Lucam, p. 460.
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