Universal Utterings

for November 23, 2025

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11-23-2025 Luke 23 v3543 Today You Will Be With Me In Paradise

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The Gospel of Luke Chapter 23 Verse 35 thru 43

35 The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God.”36 Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine 37 they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.” 39 Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” 40 The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? 41 And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

In Luke 23:35-43, we encounter a powerful moment during Christ's crucifixion that encapsulates the essence of faith, forgiveness, and hope. As onlookers mock Jesus, sneering at Him and questioning His identity as the Messiah, the scene starkly reveals humanity's tendency to disregard divine grace in times of despair. Yet, amidst the ridicule, we also witness a profound interaction between Jesus and one of the criminals crucified alongside Him.

One of the criminals recognizes Jesus' righteousness and acknowledges his own guilt, humbly asking Jesus to remember him when He comes into His kingdom. Jesus, embodying the essence of grace and mercy, responds with a promise: "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise." This statement is significant, representing not just a hope for eternal life but a reassurance that even in our most broken state, surrendering to Christ brings forth salvation.

In this moment, we see the heart of the Gospel—that no one is beyond redemption. The criminal’s faith, although in his final hours, illustrates that belief in Jesus and acceptance of His grace is the key to eternal life. For us, as believers, this passage serves as a reminder that our journey toward Paradise begins with our own surrender to His unmerited favor.

Just as the criminal was welcomed into Paradise through his faith, we too find assurance in our relationship with Christ. In acknowledging our own shortcomings and embracing His grace, we are promised a place in His eternal kingdom. Let us rejoice in this truth and encourage one another to live in the light of His mercy, knowing that through Him, we too shall have eternal life. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. The Soul of Edgar Bruce. RIP In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

11-23-2025 Luke 23 v3543

**Today You Will Be With Me In Paradise**

In shadows deep, the crowd did stand,

They mocked the Savior, strong and grand,

"Where is your power? Come down and see,

If you’re the King, set yourself free."

Two thieves beside Him shared their plight,

One scoffed in rage, void of the light,

Yet one ignited by faith’s embrace,

Found hope anew in His gentle grace.

“Remember me,” the penitent cried,

“Upon your throne, let me abide,”

In anguish borne, a promise was made,

“For today, in paradise, you’ll be displayed.”

With nails that pierced and thorns that crowned,

A love so vast, in pain unbound,

He bore our sins, our shame, our strife,

The Lamb who gave His perfect life.

The heavens wept, the earth did shake,

For mercy flowed from the heart that breaks,

Through darkest hours, a light did loom,

In death’s cold shadow, life found room.

So let us linger on this truth,

In every trial, in every youth,

For grace abounds where sin abounds,

And in our loss, His love resounds. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

November 23, 2025 @ 04:52 AM EST

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