If you have read any of the biblical narratives about the trial and death of Jesus, you are likely familiar with the account of the thief on the cross.  As Luke tells it, both of the two men crucified with Jesus were hurling insults at him.  After a time, however, one of them comes to see things differently.

    "This man," he tells the other thief, "has done nothing wrong.  He is suffering unjustly.  But we are not.  We deserve our punishment."  Then turning to Jesus, he says, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

    "Today," Jesus replies, "you shall be with me in Paradise."

    It's a glorious promise.  The thief's present pain, body as well as soul, will this day, this very day, be totally vanquished.  He can look forward to a profoundly marvelous future.

    Let's think about this thief's faith.  He knew about Jesus, he knew about Jesus' deeds.  He knew that Jesus had told his audiences that he was bringing a kingdom to earth.  It was not until the thief hung on the cross, however, and saw Jesus crucified that he came to realize, fully, the nature of this kingdom.  He saw that Jesus' promised kingdom is not one of material gain, but one of spirit and soul.

    And that, as we today remember Good Friday, is the point.  We remember the darkness, we ponder the pain.  Yet we also realize that in the abject powerlessness of the cross is the deeper message to our hearts.  We will not find ourselves through might and power but rather through humility and grace.

    We need more than ourselves to be whole.