Dear Friends in Christ our King,
We read in the revelation given to St. John that "a great sign appeared in the heavens: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars around her head" (Apocalypse 12:1). We are then told that she is travailing as she is about to give birth. To our horror, there she is confronted by an infernal dragon, who seeks to devour her child once he is born, and yet we are relieved when we hear that the child was taken up into heaven and placed upon a throne. What is this mystical sign? Who is this woman? Who is her child? This is none other than the beginning of the great battle for the salvation of souls.
As we begin the month of August, dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, let us recognize our Blessed Mother's integral role in the economy of salvation not only as the Mother of our Lord and Redeemer, but also as our very own heavenly Mother, bringing us into the life of grace and nourishing us therein. As Mother of the Church, Mary Immaculate brings forth each one of us with great patience and longsuffering, in order that we may not be devoured by the devil, always prowling as a lion, but rather be taken up into heaven, where we shall rejoice with the angels and saints in the Love of the Most Holy Trinity. Let us turn to Mary for protection!
In these confusing and uncertain times, one thing is clear; one thing is certain: we were not created by God almighty for this world, but for the world to come. Our time on this earth is but a test for eternity. Let us therefore not cling faithlessly over the affairs of this world, its vain pomp and vulgar pleasure. Let us too then not fret aimlessly over the threat of their loss; rather, let us simply seek to do the Will of our heavenly Father each day, asking Him humbly to know what His Will is so that we may so do it will love. May we continue confidently to allow divine Providence to guide us along the path that will lead us not to comfort and security in this life, but rather to the eternal and everlasting joy of the life to come with Him in heaven.
It will be through the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Immaculate Mother, that we will persevere in the faith during these difficult times. Let us make sure then that it is for the greater glory of her Divine Son, Jesus Christ our King - and not the vindication of our own self love - that we likewise persevere in both humility and charity. This is the sign in the heavens for which we hope. This is the spiritual battle about to begin.