6. Another parable makes us realise that it is never too late to enter the Church. God's invitation can be addressed to man up to the last moment of life. It is the well-known parable of the labourers in the vineyard: "The kingdom of heaven is like a householder who went out at dawn to hire labourers for his vineyard" (Mt 20:1). He went out again a few times at different times of the day, until the last hour. And to all was given a wage in which, beyond the limit of strict justice, the master wished to manifest all his generous love.
The moving episode, narrated by the evangelist Luke, about the 'good thief' crucified alongside Jesus on Golgotha comes to mind in this regard. To him, the invitation manifested itself as God's merciful initiative, as he was almost breathing: 'Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom'. He heard from the mouth of the Redeemer-Spouse, 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]