We read in Luke 23: 33- 43 that Jesus is placed on the cross and the Roman soldiers deriding Jesus, saying to him, 'If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself'. One of the criminals, hanging beside Jesus says, "Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and save us! But the other criminal rebuked the first one and says, 'Don't you fear God? Aren't you getting the same punishment as this man? We deserve to die for our crime, but this man hasn't done anything wrong" Then he says to Jesus, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" Jesus answers him, and says 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise'.

We may ask ourselves 'how is it, that a Criminal, in this moment, has come to believe in Jesus and his Kingdom?" In the eyes of the Roman Empire, a criminal was regarded as unclean, untouchable, unworthy, and he was entitled to severe death. But Jesus says to the second criminal, 'today, you will be with me in Paradise'. This criminal has never been baptized or confirmed; has never asked Jesus for a miracle; has never followed in Jesus' steps; he has never helped Jesus' disciples in their holy missions, and he has never been among those, who actively seek Jesus.

But, he will be in paradise with Jesus today. Why is he entitled to go to paradise and to be with Jesus? Is it because, he confesses to Jesus, that he had committed evil deeds? Is it really that simple?

Perhaps, if we take the time to compare, the different attitudes of people, towards Jesus, we may come to understand this problem better.

First, let us look at the Pharisees. The Pharisees were a group of very religious people, who were separated from the others, in the name of purity. Their main concern was cleanliness. Whatever actions or beliefs, supported the traditions of the Pharisees, was considered good. But, whatever was not, even if it was informative, intelligent, or liberating, was considered, unclean and consequently dangerous. The concept of cleanli- ness held by the Pharisees, was conc erned with, control over people's lives. The Pharisees had forgotten the liberating message of Leviticus (19:18 & 33-34), "Stop being angry and don't try to take revenge. I am the Lord, and I command you to love others, as much as you love yourself… Don't mistreat any foreigners, who live in your land. Instead, treat them, as well as you treat citizens, and love them, as much as you love yourself. Remember, you were once foreigners, in the land of Egypt".

Jesus' teachings remind people, of the core message of God: a message of love, forgiveness, inclusion, and peace. This is one reason why, the Pharisees are always angry with Jesus. They are, the Bible tells us, always interrupting Jesus. They do not let him talk. They tease Jesus, and they ask him mindless questions in order to cut off the holy relationship between Jesus and the people. But, Jesus always finds a way to answer the blocking questions with wisdom, in a way that gives those who are thirsty for salvation, what they need.

Jesus, in two cases, yells at Pharisees:

"You serpents, you brood of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell?" (Matthew 23:33). And again he says to them, "You brood of vipers, how can you say anything good? Your words show, what is in your hearts". (Matthew 12:34).

It is God's amazing work that among these Pharisees, we find two shining stars: Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, both of whom love Jesus. Three times, we see Nicodemus in the Gospel: first, when he visits Jesus, one night to listen to his teachings, second, when he states the law, concerning the arrest of Jesus challenging other Pharisees; and third, after the Crucifixion, when he assists Joseph of Arimathea, in preparing the corpse of Jesus for burial.

Now the question is, is there any similarity between the second criminal and Nicomedus? Both have lived a life of conflict and misery. Both are coming to the end of their life. Both are lost. Both are unknowing. But, both know, what they have done and who they are.

The criminal from the cross observes and hears, the women who are crying for Jesus. He observes and hears the soldiers and the Pharisees, who are mocking and insulting Jesus. Nicomedus observes, in a short time, what Jesus has done and hears his word. Both of these men are good observers, listeners, and seekers. They are both open and embracing to the newness of life, and the world around them. Both Nicomedus and the criminal are looking for a new life, a transforming faith; they look for it, and they find it. Consequently, they receive what they seek: Salvation.

Let us pray that we, like these two men, may have the humility and openness of heart, no matter where we stand in society, to hear always Christ's call, to Salvation and Liberation.