St. Dismas
St. Dismas
When They Lived:
St. Dismas, also known as the “Good Thief,” is believed to have lived during the 1st century AD, around the time of Jesus Christ. His exact birth and death dates are not recorded, but his significant encounter with Jesus occurred during the crucifixion, making him a contemporary of Jesus.
Where They Lived:
St. Dismas’ life is associated with the region of Judea, which was part of the Roman province of Palestine. He is most famously known for his presence on Golgotha, the hill where Jesus was crucified, which is traditionally believed to be located near Jerusalem.
Notable World Events During Their Time:
- The Crucifixion of Jesus (c. 30-33 AD): This event is pivotal in St. Dismas’ story as he is one of the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus. The crucifixion itself is one of the most significant events in Christian history.
- The Roman Occupation of Judea: During this period, the Roman Empire exerted control over the region, leading to various conflicts and tensions. This political backdrop provides context to the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion.
- The Zealot Uprising (6-66 AD): The Zealots, a Jewish resistance movement, began their struggle against the Roman occupation in Judea. This uprising started a few years after the crucifixion and shaped the political atmosphere in the region.
- The Great Fire of Rome (64 AD): A devastating fire swept through Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero. This event led to significant changes in the city’s architecture, urban planning, and even influenced the early Christian community’s perception.
- The Destruction of the Second Temple (70 AD): The Second Temple in Jerusalem, a central religious and cultural symbol for the Jewish people, was destroyed by the Romans, marking a critical moment in Jewish history and impacting the development of Christianity.
Their Patronage:
St. Dismas is most notably recognized as the patron saint of repentant criminals, prisoners, and those facing a death sentence. His life serves as a powerful example of redemption and the transformative impact of genuine repentance, reminding us of the boundless mercy and forgiveness that can be obtained even at the eleventh hour. His story offers hope to individuals facing difficult circumstances and serves as a reminder of the profound love and forgiveness offered by Christianity. St. Dismas’ unique position as the “Good Thief” at the crucifixion makes him an extraordinary figure, transcending traditional sainthood in a way that captures the essence of compassion, forgiveness, and the promise of salvation.
Difficulty to Track
Writing a biography about a saint requires thorough research, reading, and cross-referencing with other sources. What if there are no existing sources for us to know about a saint’s life? That sure is a very difficult task! This is the case with St. Dismas.
The only valid information that we could get about Dismas comes from the Gospels. All four Gospels recount that when the Lord Jesus Christ was condemned and crucified, there were two others who were crucified with Him:
“Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left.” (Matthew 27:38)
“With him, they crucified two revolutionaries, one on his right and one on his left.” (Mark 15:27)
“Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left.” (Luke 23:32-33)
“There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle.” (John 19:18)
The Gospels all agree that there were two others who were crucified with Jesus. However, all of the Gospels did not indicate the names of these two. Instead, they were called “criminals” or “revolutionaries”. So, the name “Dismas” was given by writers or from stories and legends. The name first appeared in the 4th-century Gospel of Nicodemus, an apocryphal work. The same document also gave a name to the other criminal. He was named Gestas.
Contrition Brought Him redemption.
The Gospel of Luke dedicates some verses that recount the conversation between Jesus and Dismas (see Luke 23:39–43). Dismas became quite sober during their crucifixion. In the midst of his agony, he had recognized both his wrongdoings and who Jesus was. He was filled with regret and humility. This brought him new hope and faith. After Gestas reviled and mocked Jesus, even demanding that He do something about their situation, it was Dismas who stepped in and defended Jesus. It was him who reminded Gestas that they had done evil and that they deserved the punishment they were suffering. Clearly, Dismas pointed out that Jesus was innocent and therefore undeserving of the gruesome punishment of crucifixion.
“Stealing” Heaven
As his heart and mind transformed, Dismas came to know that he was beside a Man of love, forgiveness, and power. Though undeserving and ashamed, Dismas decided to risk a request to Jesus: that He remember him when Jesus comes to His kingdom. Jesus responded with much assurance: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43). The next thing that we know about Dismas and his fellow criminals is that their legs were broken to hasten their deaths (see John 19:32).
Dismas’ example reminds us that despite being a great sinner, with humility and contrition, there is still hope and encouragement for all. The Memorial of St. Dismas falls on March 25, coinciding with the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord.
5 Interesting Facts About St. Dismas
- St. Dismas is the patron saint of condemned prisoners, death row prisoners, dying people, funeral directors, penitent criminals, prison chaplains, prisoners, prisoners on death row, prisons, and reformed thieves.
- St. Dismas is also referred to as “The Good Thief” or “The Repentant Thief”.
- The name “Dismas” in Greek means “sunset”, “to the west” or simply “dying”.
- A legend from the Arabic Gospel of the Infancy says that Dismas and Gestas actually had a run-in with the Holy Family when they were fleeing to Egypt. Apparently, according to the story, Dismas bribed Gestas with forty drachmas to not harm the Holy Family. The story continued that the Child Jesus prophesied that Dismas and Gestas would be crucified with Him in Jerusalem someday and that Dismas would accompany Him to Paradise.
- The majority of Bible scholars agree that Dismas and Gestas were revolutionaries or rebels, not mere thieves. The capital punishment of crucifixion was reserved for the most horrible crimes of the time, one of which was rebellion and treason.
Prayer to St. Dismas
Lord Jesus, help us to be merciful as You are merciful. Let us see that all are Your children, and remember that we are not to judge. When we look at one such as Dismas, let us see an opportunity to offer hope and salvation. Let us witness the good news of salvation to the sinner and never judge anyone as unworthy or hopeless. Just as Dismas repented at the last moments of his life on earth, let us see that this is great hope for all and grant that we never grow weary in our efforts to bring the light of salvation to all. Amen.
