Lenten words of hope and joy for those behind bars

I work with people who are incarcerated. That’s one reason why today is so special for me. Today is a feast day for the Roman Catholic Church, as it  observes The Memorial of St. Dismas. And by now many of you are asking, “Who the heck is St. Dismas? Why does that have any meaning for Doug, a protestant? 

Well, a little background here. 

The season of Lent reaches its peak on Good Friday when Jesus was put to death, and then on Easter when he conquered death. 

The St. Dismas story occurs on Good Friday when two crooks were also hanging on crosses, right beside Jesus. So here you had one man, wrongly convicted, and two guys with really bad records…probably guilty of rebellion or treason!  The three of them on this hill in an area called Golgotha. 

Here’s how St. Luke tells it:

""One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: 'Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!' But the other criminal rebuked him. 'Don't you fear God,' he said, 'since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.' Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.'" 

Early in Christian history it was decided that these crooks should have names. Dismas is derived from the Greek word “dysmas,” which means “sunset” or “death.” 

Today, Dismas is considered the patron saint of those condemned to death, of those engaged in dishonest business who would like to make restitution before they die but do not know how, of great sinners and prodigal sons, of those near despair because of irresolvable situations. I would add: for all persons living behind bars. 

We must not blithely breeze through this story. There’s a huge message here, especially for our incarcerated friends…a powerful example of redemption and the transformative impact of genuine repentance. It reminds us of the boundless mercy and forgiveness that can be obtained even at the eleventh hour. 

Some Christians ridicule what we call “foxhole conversions” or “jailhouse conversions.” It goes back to that parable Jesus told about the vineyard workers. The landowner hired some guys in the morning to pick grapes, hired some more at noon…then he found a few unemployed at 5 p.m. and put them to work as well. At the end of the day everyone was paid the same. Was that fair? 

I’ve been a follower of Jesus all my life. This convicted criminal turned to him in the last few minutes of his life. Yet, he and I get equal eternal treatment. Is that fair? 

Yes, indeed. This beautiful Lenten story serves to challenge our typical opinions on fairness and entitlement and, instead, reminds us that by God’s grace we are all equal in his eyes. 

What a great story for my friends behind bars! 

What a great story for you and me! 

Dismas’ example reminds us that despite being a great sinner, with humility and contrition, there is still hope and encouragement for all.”

The Catholic Handbook