A Tale of Two Disciples, Two Thieves and Two Soldiers (Under the Fig Tree Part 50)

 People react to realities and events in different ways, even in totally opposite ways. We see this in the lives of people during the passion of Jesus.

       First there are two disciples, Peter and Judas. Peter denied Jesus, while Judas

betrayed him. Denial and betrayal are two sides of the same coin. They are about

turning away from or against someone, about being disloyal.

     But their eventual actions were very different. Peter repented deeply, as “he went out and began to weep bitterly.” (Mt 26:75b); Judas also “deeply regretted what he had done.” (Mt 27:3b), even returning the price of betrayal. But Peter looked to Jesus, while Judas looked to the chief priests and elders.

      Peter would go on to redeem himself, even also being crucified for his faith in Jesus; Judas hanged himself.

     Then there were the two thieves crucified with Jesus. One reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” (Lk 23:39). The other thief rebuked the first one, saying, “Have you no fear of God, ….? (Lk 23:40).

       Both looked to Jesus, but the former only looked to what Jesus could do for them, while the latter acknowledged Jesus for who he was, one unjustly condemned. One looked only to temporal relief in the here and now, while the other looked to what was beyond, as he said to Jesus, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Lk 23:42).

       Jesus gave him an amazing reply, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Lk 23:43). Could he have been the very first person to enter heaven, even before the saints of old?

      Finally there were the two groups of soldiers. Upon the death of Jesus on the cross, there were darkness, the veil of the sanctuary torn, an earthquake, tombs opening and saints being raised. The centurion and soldiers keeping watch feared greatly and said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!” (Mt 27:54). On the other hand, the soldiers guarding Jesus’ tomb allowed themselves to be bribed by the chief priests and told the lie that Jesus’ disciples came and stole his body.

     Both groups of soldiers witnessed the same event with its supernatural occurrences, but one’s eyes were opened and they came to a realization of the truth, while the other closed their eyes and perpetuated a lie. One recognized Jesus’ true identity, while the other did not. And even today “this story has circulated among the Jews to the present” (Mt 28:15b), as they still do not accept Jesus as Messiah.

      Some say that the centurion was Cornelius, whose household Peter preached to and received the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-48). As such he was the first gentile who became a Christian, and his faith was sparked by the death of Jesus. 

     And so we see that we face events and circumstances in life all the time, but how we react to them can be so very different. And in relation to Jesus, it can mean faith and salvation, or not. Our reactions have a deeply profound effect on our lives.

       We are sinners, and we at times deny or even betray Jesus. But we can look to

Peter, who repented and looked to the mercy of God. He became the Vicar of Christ and steered the Church through its early years.

     At times our faith weakens, especially in trying times and God seemingly uncaring. But we can look to Cornelius, who put his faith in Jesus. He was the first gentile to become a Christian.

      At times we become engrossed in this life and miss out on the reality that we are pilgrims making our way to heaven. We can look to Dismas, the good thief, who looked beyond the pains and woes of the moment, and hoped for eternal life. He was the first to enter heaven.

     With the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus, we can become more firmly assured of the power of faith, the certainty of God’s love and mercy, and the joy of eternal hope.

       SALVE REGINA.