Dismas

From We Were There

By Sarah A. O'Malley and Robert D. Elmer

DlSMAS: I was not so fortunate as my prison comrade, Barabbas. No crowd shouted for the release of Dismas. Since my cross was close to that of Jesus of Nazareth, I had a good chance to observe him. The rumor in prison was that Jesus was no thief or murderer; rather, he was innocent of any crime. Someone even mentioned he claimed to be the Messiah.

That's why the other prisoners shouted at him, "If you really are the Messiah, do something. Use your power to free us."

I told them to keep quiet. I was captivated by Jesus, by his gentle manner, his forgiveness of those who mocked him, but especially by the way he talked to God. He prayed like he knew God and was close to him like a son speaking to his father. Something about Jesus made me examine my life and see it for what it was: a life of deceit, thievery, and murder.

Once, when we were hiding in the mountains, a comrade told me about this Jesus and his message of forgiveness; how he ate with public sinners and risked offending the Pharisees. How he promised sinners a mysterious Kingdom if they only sought forgiveness.

As I looked at Jesus with arms outstretched on the cross, I felt a deep peace and I was impelled to say, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

I saw Jesus turn his head and say, "Today you will be with me in paradise."

I was there... and I became a believer. Have you become a believer, too?