Rosaries

There at the place called The Skull, he was crucified together with the criminals – one on his right and another on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do.” And the guards cast lots to divide his clothes among themselves. The people stood by watching. As for the rulers, they jeered at him, saying to one another, “Let the man who saved other now save himself, for he is the Messiah, the chosen one of God!”

…One of the criminals hanging with Jesus insulted him, “So you are the Messiah? Save yourself and us as well!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Have you no fear of God, you who received the same sentence as he did? For us it is just: this is payment for what we have done. But this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “Truly, you will be with me today in paradise.”

Luke 23:33-35, 39-46

Crucifixion was a terrible death. The torture of the cross involved long survival under immense pain. The hanging body would constrict breathing, making the person pull himself up on aching muscles to catch his breath. This could go on for hours, even days. In the case of Jesus, however, Pilate is surprised to hear that he died so soon. This may have been the result not only of the scourging but of bleeding through the wrists.

The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus join together Heaven and earth, just as the other fundamental events of the story of salvation do: the creation, the birth of Jesus, the Resurrection, the final coming of the Lord. This event expresses with clarity how Jesus is a symbol of contradiction. In fact, people line up on two sides: those who know him and adore him; and those who mock him. Jesus tries to forgive those who have made him suffer, responding to evil with good. The soldiers disappointed in their expectations, mock Jesus. The people, on the other hand, stood by watching. The two criminals also display contradictory attitudes. While one insults him, the other is testimony of reconciliation: he recognizes his own condition as a sinner, and entrusts himself fully to the love of Jesus.