The Door Still Open That Beckons Us Onward

One man died in bitterness, one man died in grace, and a thief discovered mercy at the end of a broken life.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:24am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph depicting a lone figure standing in front of a doorway, surrounded by soft, warm pools of light and color, conceptually representing the idea of a second chance or a door still open, even in the darkest of times.A poignant meditation on the power of grace and the possibility of redemption, even in life's darkest moments.Hilliard Today

In a guest column, Ray Watford reflects on the story of the Good Thief crucified alongside Jesus, and how even in our darkest moments, the door to mercy remains open. Watford draws parallels between the thief's final plea for forgiveness and the struggles many face in trying to make amends for past mistakes.

Why it matters

Watford's column offers a poignant meditation on the human condition, exploring themes of redemption, grace, and the power of honesty in the face of our failures. By highlighting the story of the Good Thief, he reminds readers that it is never too late to seek forgiveness and that the possibility of a second chance exists, even in the most dire of circumstances.

The details

Watford recounts the biblical story of the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus, one of whom responded with bitterness while the other, known as the Good Thief or Dismas, owned his guilt, defended Jesus' innocence, and asked to be remembered in Jesus' kingdom. Despite his criminal past, Dismas' simple plea for mercy was answered by Jesus, who promised he would be with him in paradise that very day.

  • The events described in the column took place during the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday, over 2,000 years ago.

The players

Ray Watford

A retired newspaper production director who worked for publications in Florida, New England, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. He writes from Hilliard, Ohio.

Dismas

Also known as the Good Thief, he was one of the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus. Despite his criminal past, he faced the truth, owned his guilt, and asked Jesus for mercy in his final moments.

Jesus

The central figure of Christianity, who was crucified alongside the two criminals and promised the Good Thief that he would be with him in paradise that very day.

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What they’re saying

“We are receiving what we deserve”

— The Good Thief

“Remember me when you come into your kingdom”

— The Good Thief

“Today you will be with me in paradise”

— Jesus

The takeaway

Watford's column serves as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to seek forgiveness and that the door to mercy remains open, even in our darkest moments. By highlighting the story of the Good Thief, he encourages readers to face their own failures with honesty and to have faith in the possibility of redemption.