What's the meaning of: "Today you will be with me in paradise"?

Romel Castro · #1 Feb 2, '12, 9:51 pm

Did the thief whom Jesus said "Today you will be with me in paradise" not require purgation to get to heaven (paradise)?

How was the verse actually written? Is it: (note the placement of the comma)
1. "Truly I say to you today, you will be with me in paradise", or
2." Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise"?

**Fr. Vincent Serpa** · #2 Feb 3, '12, 2:54 pm

Hi,

Luke 23:43 reads: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” However, the man had to undergo the duration of his crucifixion, including the breaking of his legs and death. THIS was his purgation. Jesus didn’t send him to heaven immediately. The rest of that day was his Purgatory! It is quite possible to receive temporal punishment for our in this life before we die.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.