Eastertide Week Three: Remember His Last Words

Day 3: “Father, forgive them”

Last Words

What did Jesus ask
the thief
who hurled
accusations,
pain soaked and sharp?

What did Jesus tell
the robber
whose eyes
shot daggers
heart already cold?

What did Jesus require
his two companions
hanging
condemned
wheezing in despair’s air?

Silent One suffering
intent on completion
eyes spilling love’s call
heart
bursting for all.

Guilty one suffering
dared ask
the dying deity
bruised and beaten King,
remember me.

Jesus demanded no rite.
Grace gave
forgiveness,
belonging, to one who
perceived, and believed.

The topic of forgiveness kept my mind occupied a good bit last year. On the genealogical chart of my family of origin reside several names of people who refused to forgive. These people sat in church every week from childhood through adulthood with the breech unrepaired. Sadly a few in succeeding generations have made similar decisions. We watch with great sadness. Our hearts hurt.