Our pastor again emphasized Jesus' call to service in today's Gospel. Jesus provides for others even when on His way to His death. First, He tells the women not to weep for Him, but to provide for their children as they will face difficult times in the future. Later, while on the cross, He tells John to look after His mother, and for Mary to treat John as her son. Finally, just before death, He promises the repentant thief a place in Heaven.
Even under the strain of the cross, even in the agony of crucifixion, even just before death, Jesus seeks to help those around Him.