6. Another parable helps us to understand that it is never too late to join the Church. God’s invitation can be extended to a person right up until the very last moment of their life. It is the well-known parable of the labourers in the vineyard: “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at daybreak to hire labourers for his vineyard” (Mt 20:1). He then went out several more times at various hours of the day, right up to the last hour. And all were given a wage in which, going beyond the bounds of strict justice, the landowner wished to show all his generous love.
In this regard, one is reminded of the moving episode, recounted by the evangelist Luke, concerning the ‘good thief’ crucified alongside Jesus on Golgotha. To him, the invitation appeared as a merciful act on God’s part, as he said, almost with his last breath: ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom’. He heard from the lips of the Redeemer-Bridegroom, condemned to death on the cross: ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise’ (Lk 23:42–43).
[Pope John Paul II, General Audience, 18 September 1991]