Introduction

We who acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, turn to those who have gone before us to discover how that they have followed the Way, that we may safely follow in their footsteps.

As Jesus was on the cross, he was surrounded by two sinners, to the right and to the left. One merited entry to heaven by recognizing the Lord, one did not. At the foot of the cross stood two Marys, to also show us the way to follow the Lord; the way of Purity and the way of the Sinner.

This meditation is laid out in the form of three historical essays, from St. Gregory the Great, Ven. Louis of Granada, and St. Augustine. These are followed by the 12 scriptural appearances which mark the path from death to eternal life.

Although there is much debate over Mary Magdalene and if or if not she is the repentant sinner which the church has held her to be, I ask you keep an open mind. St. Gregory the Great maps out a path through the scriptures which is our path; I pray you see that this is our journey, and that the debate over the person is an open question, which you are free to pick up and go with in either direction; the admonition I will add is that you are not free to say "St. Gregory the Great was wrong," for that is the nature of an open question; you may not exalt your less than studied opinion above that which he held, while remaining free to disagree.

It is my hope that this spiritual exercise will assist in your journey to Christ, to carry and welcome His cross in your life; the important thing to remember is that this is our path, the Way; other than that of the Virgin Mary, there really is no other.

May we meet on the day of the Lord, that our joy may be complete.