That we need forgiveness and a prayer of intercession for our lives is no surprise; "Father, forgive them for they don't know what they are doing." The assumption, of course, is that our lives are full of not knowing, and is apt to feel like a walk through uncharted territory. When Jesus tells the criminal, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise", it's a promise to us too that we're heavenbound people and life's difficult situations aren't the end of the story. And finally, Jesus' third (of seven) last words not only enlarges our understanding of heaven, but is a commission for us to enlarge our own lives to love our world as much as he did. ( notes)