the dragon and the lady
“Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth.” —Revelation 12:4
The book of Revelation was composed about 90 AD. At this time the Church was being savagely persecuted by the Roman emperor, Domitian. Many had sacrificed their lives rather than deny Christ. However, others had sold out to the world and apostatized. These had lost their first love (Rv 2:4) and had become lukewarm to the point of nauseating Jesus (Rv 3:16). Of course, Satan accentuated the negative, accused the believers day and night (Rv 12:10), and continually intensified the pain, apostasy, and persecution of the times.
In opposition to Satan, there was “a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Rv 12:1). She refused to focus on evil but proclaimed “the greatness of the Lord” (Lk 1:46). She was not depressed but found joy in God her Savior (Lk 1:47). She was hopeful and confident that her enemies would be confused and deposed while the lowly would be raised to high places (Lk 1:51-52).
Who will you believe: Satan, that is, the dragon, or the woman, mother Church and mother Mary? Will you walk by faith or by sight? (2 Cor 5:7) Will you claim Jesus’ victory or accept defeat?
Prayer: Jesus, send Mary to greet me. At her greeting, may hope spring up inside me (see Lk 1:44).
Promise: “Christ must reign until God has put all enemies under His feet.” —1 Cor 15:25
Praise: Mary’s Assumption sheds light on her divine motherhood. She was destined from all eternity to be the Mother of God. Now she is reunited with her Son in heavenly glory (see Rv 12:1).
Reference: (For a related teaching on The Assumption of Mary, listen to, download or order our CD 81-1 or DVD 81 on our website.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from August 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 31, 2022"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.