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Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 23:35-43

Jesus's final line in this passage is "Today you will be with me in Paradise." If this line was pulled out of context, you would think Jesus was speaking to a great saint, a young child, or even a terminally ill person who has suffered years of pain. Instead, He speaks to a great sinner, the Good Thief, who is in the midst of dying for his past crimes. At the height of His agony, He offers His mercy, love, and salvation. In our Lord's final moments of life, He wanted to seek and save the lost. He truly is the King of Heaven and Earth and wants to fill the Kingdom of God with His followers. 

How easy it is to administer our mercy and grace to those we love, those we think are worthy of the blessings and kindness, those who have worked hard in life, and those who have run the race well. But on the day Jesus died, heaven was filled with a sinner who had a change of heart, whose only merit was his repentance.

It is essential for Catholic mothers to focus on Jesus' death and resurrection. When we ponder His death, we come to appreciate the greatest act of love ever performed. Our perfect, all-loving God sent us His Son to die for us so that we could be set free from sin. So let us hold close to our hearts the words of Jesus to the Good Thief: 

"Today you will be with me in Paradise."

What should we do in order to hear those very words when we die? First, turn to Jesus and look into His eyes, seeing His love and compassion. Next, open our heart to Him so that His love can flood it. Repent of our past sins, seek to live a life of virtue, and ditch the vices that hold us back. 

 

Ponder:

 

How can you be a better example of love and mercy to your family and those around you?

 

Pray:


Dear Lord and Savior, forgive us our sins, and give us the graces we need on this day. May You be the king of our hearts. 

 

 

Daily Gospel 4

 

Copyright 2025 Emily Jaminet

 

About the Author

Emily Jaminet

Emily Jaminet

Emily Jaminet and her husband have 7 children. Jaminet is the Executive Director of Sacred Heart Enthronement Network, WelcomeHisHeart.com, shares "A Mother's Moment," a daily radio reflection, a podcast host and radio personality. She is the co-author of Divine Mercy For Moms: Sharing the Lessons of St. Faustina and The Friendship Project, Pray Fully, Our Friend Faustina, and her most recent book Secrets of the Sacred Heart. You can read more of Emily’s work at EmilyJaminet.com or InspireTheFaith.com.