The experience of Dismas shows the unlimited power of forgiveness by God for those who request it. It is a reminder of the saving grace of God for those who have faith and repent. Perhaps Dismas' sufferings on the cross were enough to expiate his sins or perhaps Christ was trying to show us how merciful He is to those who accept Him as Lord and Saviour. In Catholic tradition Dismas is believed to have had a previous meeting with our Lord on the Holy Family's flight to Egypt. It is said that Dismas was very sick and the Blessed Virgin bathed him in the same water as the Holy Child