A Cry From The Depths

"Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, 'Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.' The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, 'Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.' Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, 'Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'"(1)

You Promised Paradise

My injured heart, callused and cold,
Enshrouded in my bitterness;
My shredded dignity was sold --
Now all I have is emptiness.

Upon this cross, my spirit's hung:
Alone, forsaken, desolate.
To all this hurt, I could succumb,
And die of grief because of it.

But God sends me His only Son,
To suffer and die in my place;
I am an injured little one --
In dire need of healing grace.

Jesus, my Savior, hear my cry,
Do not forsake me in my grief:
You promised life to those who die;
And paradise to the good thief.

I'll do my part -- admit my sin:
My resentments, judgements, and pride.
I may deserve this hurt within --
But 'twas for sinners that You died.

Open my shroud of bitterness;
Warm my cold heart next to Your breast:
You'll fill all of my emptiness,
And lead me home into Your Rest.

Jesus revives and makes us whole,
When we're injured deep in the soul.



(c) Paul Buis, 2000

image (c) Tricia Of The Sacred Wounds Of Jesus, 2001

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1. Luke 23:39-43