The Holy Scriptures remind us that two criminals were crucified with Christ. One of them was later called good and the other evil. The naming of these contrasting terms was influenced by the behavior of these people in the last moments of their lives, namely immediately after the crucifixion.
Silvija Krivteža – Vatican
They suffered and died with Christ, but only one of them did not refuse the grace of conversion received on the cross. He is called today the “good villain”, the other became a symbol of cruelty and sin.
The word Dizmas has an apocryphal origin. The “good villain” became the guardian of sinners condemned to death and turned to God. The city of Latrun in the Holy Land, near the village of Emmaus, is the site of the “good villain” cult. He was later canonized. The Eastern Church also honors him as a martyr.
Before his death, Jesus was not ashamed of fear and tears. He did not turn anyone away, despite the fact that even those who believed in Him and declared that they were ready to give their lives had left Him. Jesus died with evildoers, but at the same time He destroyed death, which was the enemy of God himself, the giver of life. By dying on the cross, Jesus identified himself with every human being. The recipient of his divine mercy was one of the evildoers. Saint Luke writes in the Gospel: “But one of the criminals who was hanging blasphemed Jesus, saying: “If You are the Christ, then save Yourself and us! the punishment itself! We do receive a just punishment for our deeds, but He has done nothing wrong. And he said to Jesus: “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom”. Jesus answered him: “I tell you: “Truly, I say to you: today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk 23,39-43).
