Backstory of the Good Thief

 In Luke's Gospel account of the crucifixion, we read about the “Good Thief.” Traditionally called “Dismas,” there are several sources that give us a background into Dismas’ backstory, and (surprise!) his conversion comes from Mary’s intercession.

First, there is a story that Dismas was with a band of robbers who spied an easy target on the road to Egypt: the baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. But Dismas was moved by the innocence of the trio and told his partners in crime to leave the Holy Family alone. Mary, grateful for his moment of grace, foretold that he would meet her Son, Jesus, again someday.

Then, at the foot of the Cross, it was both Jesus’ courage in forgiving his murderers and the intercessions of Mary—whom Dismas now remembered from so many years ago—that prompted Dismas’ conversion.

In the Mystical City of God by Mary of Ágreda, we read: “Being assisted at the same time by the prayers and intercession of most holy Mary, [Dismas] was interiorly enlightened concerning his Rescuer and Master by the first word on the Cross.” (Part II, Book Six, Chapter VIII – “The Crucifixion”)

So the first canonized saint became so through the intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows, having personally witnessed both the Flight into Egypt and the Crucifixion (the second and fifth Sorrows).

With this in mind, we can be emboldened to pray for family members who have “left the faith,” knowing that no one is beyond the point of being touched by our Blessed Mother and being saved by our Blessed Savior!

(join me in responding to Mary’s request that we pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary every day!)