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THE GREATEST ST0RY ever told is of course the Bible. The Bible describes the relationship between God and His people. As Christians we believe the Bible culminates in the person of Jesus Christ, the God Man. In Jesus we plainly see God at work among us. The Gospels tell us of Jesus’ birth and mighty works. Although the Scriptures contain all knowledge needed for our salvation, we read in the end of John’s Gospel that there are many other things to tell of Jesus and that the world may not be big enough to hold all that may be written. I for one certainly would be curious to have read some of these “other tales” of Our Lord. In Agnus Dei by Roger Schoenecker we are given that opportunity! Here we have the means to read in a consolidated form the writings of Maria Valtorta, “The Poem of the Man God.” This mystical work tells the untold stories of Jesus in five volumes. For many people, such a large piece of work would seem intimidating. Although I would encourage anyone who could to read these five volumes, for those who cannot, Roger’s single volume puts succinctly the essence of Maria’s works. Agnus Dei has been a blessing to me in my own spiritual life, helping me to have a deeper understanding of the Scriptures in particular of the lives of the disciples and of our Blessed Mother Mary. I cannot tell how important that was for me. It has deepened my interest in the Gospels and in reading the five volume work of Maria Valtorta. I highly encourage all Christians to read this wonderful book.

—Fr. Steven A. Kunkel, Pastor, Christ the King Church, Mesa, Arizona>

Soon after, when Jesus is again with His Apostles -- and the stories about the recent dinner have been thoroughly circulated -- they cannot help but ask Him about the affair. "Lord, is it true that Mary of Magdala asked You to forgive her in the Pharisee's house?" Thomas asks. Jesus acknowledges the fact and that He did forgive her. "You did the wrong thing!" Bartholomew blurts. "Why?" Jesus asks. "She was certainly repentant and deserved to be forgiven." "But in that house? Publicly?" queries Judas. "But I do not understand where I was wrong," Jesus says simply. "That is the point! You know who the Pharisees are -- how full their heads are of cavils; how they watch You, slander and hate You. Simon was Your friend, and You called a prostitute into his house to desecrate it and cause scandal." "I did not call her. She came. She is not a prostitute. She repented..."