emphasis on seeking and speaking from within to be in harmony with the living God. The Lord emphasizes the importance of ridding oneself of jealousy and abandoning burdensome works in order to enter the bridal chamber and find rest. The conversation also reveals that what is born of truth does not die and that the place where the Lord is not is lacking truth. Mary expresses her desire to understand all things, and the Lord emphasizes the importance of seeking life rather than the material wealth of the world. The disciples ask how to ensure their work is perfect, and the Lord advises them to be prepared and find inner peace. Judas asks about the beginning of the path, and the Lord says it is rooted in love and goodness. Matthew questions the end of everything, and the Lord tells him that understanding and acceptance of his teachings are necessary. The disciples inquire about the place they are going, and the Lord encourages them to focus on the present moment. Mary speaks of the mystery of truth and their taking a stand in it. The Lord emphasizes the importance of stripping oneself of transient things and following the path of truth to achieve spiritual purity. The ending optimistically describes the dissolution of "the works of womanhood," meaning the end of fleshly existence via childbirth and a return to the light. References Gnostic apocrypha Coptic literature Nag Hammadi library