Subject: Marian Visions/End Times There is no intention of presumptuousness
in this mailing. If you wish to be removed from this list, please let me know
- 76726.2533@compuserve.com.
I'd like to send some updated postings
(15 "compilations" of approximately 40,000 bytes each) followed by about 40 "modemizations"
(approximately 25,000 bytes each - subject matter originally deposited in the
"Speculation" section of Compuserve's "Catholic Forum") on the topic I refer to
as "Marian Visions/End Times".
I don't have "Web" access (heck, I'm
afraid of spiders as it is!), and therefore no "Page" where this material can
be referenced. Hence, I am distributing it via (private) E-Mail. But this information
+ more is now being made available on a web page entitled "Future and Faith":
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/7881/
Feel free
to let me know if there are any you have missed and would like to receive. PLEASE
NOTE ONCE AGAIN THAT ALL DATE REFERENCES WERE AND ARE SPECULATIVE.
PLEASE understand that this subject is NOT meant to be "frightening" but, rather,
*informative*. When the context of all postings together is considered, I believe
this conclusion can be safely reached.
Any predicted events are Biblically
based and in no way intended to create "worry". Rather, the apparitions and any
associated speculation should ENRICH one's spirituality. As we are *reminded*
of the possible imminence of such events, the key is *preparedness*.
NO ONE had said that we should WORRY about the future. What has been prophesied
is that we should PREPARE OUR SOULS AND BODIES for approaching "End Time" events.
And PLEASE don't consider that what I have speculated on *will definitely*
happen. It is simply hypothesis based on available evidence; an extrapolation
of clues. Allow me to emphasize that I am IN NO WAY a prophet (or anything close
to one) myself. I'm far (VERY FAR) from being infallible.
Please be
assured that I claim no degree of pious-ity nor to be on a deeper spiritual level
than anyone else. I am simply reporting on matters I have studied, and reiterating
information obtainable from the Bible, the Religious community, and visionaries
in contact with Heavenly Intercessors.
Although manifestations of
the past and present seemingly (CLEARLY, to me) indicate that End Time issues
are rapidly approaching, I'd better invoke my standard caveat of - *I could be
wrong* - in the interpretations to follow.
Not that they're *my* interpretations
so much as they are those based on private revelation received through, Catholic
for the most part, visionaries and other cited sources. I deem the information
to be reliable, but that is my viewpoint. Although I believe in this theory, it
may or may not come to pass in the near future.
Not that I'm comparing
myself to him AT ALL, but I could end up going the way of Jonah. Come to think
of it, I think I'll go plant a few gourd seeds right now. Maybe even get a little
insecticide to keep the worms off.
Should anyone care to, they are
free to reprint anything I have posted. The material is not Coppi-righted. (It's
a good thing the Bible isn't copyrighted, and that Matthew/Mark/Luke/John, et
al, didn't complain of infringement). Not that I'm comparing myself in ANY WAY
to the writers of the Gospel. I'm far (VERY FAR) from being infallible.
I'm sorry about the length of this "preamble". I guess I should have started it
with "four score and...". The disclaimers are not meant to protect *me* so much
as they are meant to prevent anyone *else* from being led astray by "undue" expectations.
With that said, our discussion has concerned the end times, which
we are surely in/approaching (in my opinion, that of numerous theologians, and
in the opinion of multitudinous Christians). There is currently available material
INEVITABLY pointing out that the reign of Mary's Immaculate Heart is near.
>>Jesus sent His Mother to Fatima early this century with pleas and
warnings of what might happen if man did not turn back to God. Arguably, this
century will go down as one of the bloodiest and war filled in the history of
mankind.
Now, as we approach the end of the century and the new millennium,
reports of messages from heaven and visions of Jesus and His mother are being
reported all over the world. The theme is always the same - Put Jesus back at
the center of our lives. The return of God is near.
Pray more. Ask
for God's mercy. Make sacrifices and reparations for the ways man has offended
God. AND HOPE! If we listen, and do these things, our merciful God stands ready
to embrace us. Great sufferings can be averted. Could these be our final warnings?
It is admittedy difficult to step outside *today*, say in one's backyard,
and sense that end times may be rapidly approaching. There are 3 points to consider
here:
1) To reiterate, the "End of the World" is not
what is being dealt with, but rather the "End of Time" [the end of the current
satanically influenced age of materialism and consumerism]. 2) Prayer
has the power to mitigate, postpone, or even cancel certain forecasts.
3) World conditions can change very rapidly.
While
it may be difficult to envision tribulations occurring "close to home", it must
be remembered that the benefits foreseen far outweigh the necessary "purifications".
The Warning for instance, which will illuminate *all* earthly souls to the Light
of God, should be highly anticipated.
There is currently a plethora
of reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary around the world, with a compelling
sense of urgency. She is pleading with, and calling her children back to God,
as never before in history.
For the last several years, Our Lady has
spoken of a special time which She is waiting impatiently for. An extraordinary
and particular time of world history unlike any since Adam's time. On Christmas
Day, 1995, the Virgin Mary revealed that we have entered that time.
There has been another important message allegedly received through a Marian priest,
Father Stefano Gobbi, on December 5, 1994 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
in Mexico:
"I CONFIRM TO YOU THAT, BY THE GREAT JUBILEE
OF THE YEAR 2000, THERE WILL TAKE PLACE THE TRIUMPH OF MY IMMACULATE HEART, OF
WHICH I FORETOLD YOU AT FATIMA, AND THIS WILL COME TO PASS WITH THE RETURN OF
JESUS IN GLORY, TO ESTABLISH HIS REIGN IN THE WORLD. THUS YOU WILL AT LAST BE
ABLE TO SEE WITH YOUR OWN EYES THE NEW HEAVENS AND THE NEW EARTH" ("Marian Movement
of Priests" Message #532; National Cenacle of the M.M.P.; "The Apple of My Eye".)
This goes along with a few of the many predictions
that have been made about these apparent "end times" including one by Saint John
Bosco that peace will come upon the earth before the end of "2 full moons in the
month of flowers" (March, 1999)
There have been many other predictions
indicating that we are now living in the end times - these materialistic, worldly,
satanic times - the time between the 1st and 2nd Coming of Christ.
The "Warning" will probably be the first event to come - the event that will signal
the beginning of great prodigies to come - the beginning of the end of this era
of time. There are some very definitive indications that it may come this year
(1997).
John Paul II is supposedly to be the last Pope before the
end of time (although St. Malachy has predicted that 2 will follow him - 1 of
these *MAY* be an antipope. Other alleged messages from Our Lady indicate that
the Antichrist will not hesitate in assuming power after the Warning.
What is commonly referred as the "Warning" is a moment of enlightenment due to
be sent upon the earth. The Warning will be a revelation of our sins before God.
Everyone would be well advised to anticipate this event and therefore be as prepared
as possible.
To the unsuspecting and to the non-believers, the Warning
could indeed be frightening. At the least, it will leave many people shocked and
confused as to what has happened. That is why so many people will seek answers,
and hopefully return permanently, to the Church.
Here is a reference
to the Warning:
"...I ANNOUNCE TO YOU THAT WHICH YOU
WILL PASS THROUGH IS NOW UPON YOU...THE CONVERSION OF MY APOSTLE PAUL WAS A PRECEDENT
SET IN MY WORD. IT WAS HIS EXPERIENCE OF PRIVATE REVELATION. AS HE WAS BLINDED
BY MY LIGHT HE KNEW HE COULD NO LONGER DENY THE ONE WHOM HE PERSECUTED. AND NOW
ALL WILL BE CAUGHT IN THIS MOMENT OF MERCY AS MY LIGHT REVEALS ONCE AGAIN THE
PERSECUTION OF ME! ..."
Obviously, everyone will
know it when this happens. Recent messages indicate that it is *IMMINENT* (within
the next 12 months). This particular event has been predicted for many years,
and there is EVERY reason to believe that the time of fulfillment has arrived.
Here are some definitions of the Warning (based on messages allegedly
received by our Heavenly Mother by various visionaries throughout the world)...............
As originally described (in 1961 at Garabandal, Spain):
"The warning comes directly from God and will be visible to the whole world
and from any place where anyone may happen to be. It will be like the revelation
of our sins and will be seen and felt by everyone, believer and unbeliever alike,
irrespective of whatever religion they may belong to..."
Compare this to an message received more recently (within the past 7 years) at
Scottsdale, Arizona:
"The time is coming when every man,
woman, and child on this earth will know that God exists. All will have a glimpse
at the state of their soul. These seconds will seem like an eternity......."
And with what Maria Esperanza of Betania has said:
"There is coming a great moment, a great day of light. The
conscience of this people must be violently shaken..."
And with what Christina Gallagher of Ireland has said:
"There
will come a sign when everyone in the world will experience an interior awareness
and will know that this is of God and will see themselves as they really are..."
And Theresa Lopez of Denver's statement:
"The Warning Our Lady calls the moment of silence. And in the
moment of silence our inner selves will be revealed. Its purpose is to stir the
soul to conversion."
...........like the conversion
of Saul/Paul.
Also by Our Lady to Fr. Gobbi:
"A new fire will come down from heaven and will purify all humanity, which
has again become pagan. It will be like a judgement in miniature and each one
will see himself in the light of the very Truth of God.
Finally, compare also to a message from an anonymous visionary:
JESUS: "This will be the one time, as never before in the history
of mankind, when man will be given the same realization that is given at the hour
of his death. This will be My greatest act of Mercy!........."
A summary of other items to be discussed:
1) The "End
of Time", not the "End of World" "End Times" do not refer to the "end
of the world" (last judgment & resurrection of the dead) per se, although
it *is* possible that these events will follow the "End Times" within a short
period of time... Possibly, time will no longer have meaning, or we will simply
lose "time consciousness" (this doesn't necessarily mean time will not continue
to pass universally as it always has). Thus, the passage that "no one knows the
day or hour" will hold...
2) Awakening to the Signs
...Mary
is preparing us, just as John the Baptist paved the way for Christ's initial entrance
into the world. She is affording us an opportunity to return to God in ways that
no generation has ever been privileged to. But, then again, no other generation
has needed it as much...
3) Millennial Perspectives
...From
the accounts of many visionaries, prophets, and mystics, we are left with the
impression that, by the year 2001, the reign of the Two Hearts will be in place,
a Golden Age of the Church will ensue (which accounts for the fact that the Virgin
continually asks that basilicas, churches and chapels be built), and there will
be great happiness and cooperation in the world - a time when human decency and
respect will transcend all of our shortcomings...
4) An Approaching
New Era
...So what will the "new era" bring? No one knows for sure,
but Mary's words at Fatima spoke of a "period of peace", insinuating a beginning
and 0an end. That is to say that after the Era of Peace, the world may once again
enter into hard times, leading possibly to the final Apocalypse... Physically
speaking, the earth will be miraculously renewed and mankind will be blessed by
God in every way (according to many messages). This necessarily seems to indicate
that we will have undergone a chastisement by God after which we will "awaken
to a new dawn"...
5) Divine Justice Withheld
...We are
God's creatures, but have drifted away from our creator. If we don't make the
necessary changes (even in spite of the Warning - God's final "remedy" to alert
people to their sinfulness), He will send a chastisement, not so much as punishment,
but to encourage, in no uncertain terms, His children to return to Him. God permits
tribulation & chastisement to perfect and save souls...
6): Likely
Future Scenarios
...Certainly, at least one date *has* been definitely
set. At Garabandal in the early 1960's, a precise date for the Miracle *was* given.
But overall, God is "managing" the timeframe - preordained events that are to
transpire before and after the "set" Miracle may be "changed" (timewise and intensity-wise.
All time intervals are "flexible". However, a particular visionary associated
with many apparently Divine "signs" has received a message that an event will
come in June (1997) that should enforce people's belief in God (this may well
be connected to the 1st Secret of Medjugorje).
7) Seeking Spiritual
Refuge
...So devotion to Mary - veneration, confidence and love -
especially through the Brown Scapular and the Rosary, is how we mystically seek
refuge in Mary's Immaculate Heart. St. Louis de Montfort tells us that such devotion
"is a sure means of going to Jesus, because the attribute of the Blessed Virgin
is to lead us surely to Christ, just as Jesus Christ's attribute is to lead us
surely to the Eternal Father..."...
. . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . .
Subj: 1- Garabandal Apparitions
Section:
* Speculation *
From: Michael J. Coppi 76726,2533
To: Everyone
Date:
30-Jul-97 18:36
Garabandal is a small village in Northern Spain
where St. Michael and the Blessed Virgin Mary (as Our Lady of Mt. Carmel) appeared
to 4 young girls (ages 11 and 12) from 1961 to 1966. The messages echoed those
of Fatima, and many supernatural phenomena took place.
The most interesting
thing about Garabandal is that several predictions were announced by the visionaries.............
1) An "Aviso" (Spanish) commonly referred to as the "Warning".
2) A Great Miracle to follow the Warning.
3) A conditional
chastisement to follow the Miracle.
The Warning will
be a worldwide event. Everyone everywhere will experience it. It will be sort
of like a judgement day in miniature, during which time (perhaps a few actual
minutes) all will see the state of their souls, on a personal level, as seen by
God. Only one of the seers was told in what year the Warning will take place.
30 years have passed since it was first predicted, and it is expected to occur
soon. At least 3 messages from more recent apparitions (within the past 5 years)
have referred to events which meet the description of the Warning (as it was described
at Garabandal). There is strong possibility that the Warning/Miracle will be within
the next several years.
Within a year following the Warning, and within
specified (month/date/day/time) parameters, will come the Miracle. One of the
visionaries knows the exact date, and will announce it 8 days ahead of time. This
is not to say that we may not theorize on possible dates, since the parameters
are such that there are only a dozen or so possibilities within the next several
years. The Miracle will be a local event, occuring in Garabandal. THE SICK PRESENT
WILL BE CURED (taken to mean that ANYONE with ANY affliction will be restored
to PERFECT HEALTH.) Nonbelievers will believe. A permanent sign will be left.
There will be no doubt that it comes directly from God.
If people
do not return to God following these events, a chastisement will follow. It will
be a punishment sent upon the world by God. It is conditional - it may be more
or less mitigated depending on people's reactions to the Warning and Miracle.
But it is probably connected with the "3 days of darkness".
The best
way for you or anyone to get a complete overview of the apparitions of Garabandal,
is to contact someone in your area who gives free showings regarding this subject.
There are people in almost every state of the U.S., and throughout
the world who are anxious to share this information with you. If you let me know,
here or in E-Mail, what state you live in (and perhaps a nearby major city), I
can let you know who (address and phone number) in your area will provide a free
private showing for you.
Of course, I too am more than willing to
provide as many details as possible to the maximum extent I can through modemization.
You can also contact "The Workers of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel" at:
P.O. Box 606
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
516-226-4408
You
might call this the "Garabandal Center of the World".
Of course, I
will also provide any information via this medium: modemization.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Warning and subsequent Miracle
may come very soon (Warning in late-1997 or early-1998, Miracle on April 9th or
16th of 1998). If not, there is a high probability that these events will almost
certainly come by the year 2000.
As mentioned, another "clue" as to
when the Miracle will occur is that it will be coincident with the feast of a
young martyr of the Eucharist. There is some question here as to whether the pre-Vatican
II calendar, or the post-Vatican II calendar (at the time of Vatican II, the previous
dates on which feastdays for many Saints were celebrated, were moved to a different
date) should be used. In that regard, we should consider what Mike Brumley proposed:
"It seems that if God was going to give the world that
information that he would have made it relative to the time in which the information
is needed." And this is very logical. The matter is *almost* academic anyways.
Just using the other clues we have (the Miracle will be on a Thursday in April
between the 8th and 17th of the month), coupled with the belief that it will come
by (or in) 2000, enables us to specify the following dates: April 9th or 16th,
1998; April 8th or 15th, 1999; or April 13th, 2000.
Of course, if we knew for certain which of these dates corresponded to the appropriate
feastday, we *might* be able to "pinpoint" the date right now. But once the Warning
comes, we'll know when the Miracle, within 7 days at most, is going to be.
Additionally, it also seems very likely that you will not have to physically
be at Garabandal during the Miracle, in order to be cured of any physical ailment
one may suffer from. Perhaps being united in spirit will suffice.
But I'm not taking any chances! I'll be at Garabandal! Remember, THIS IS A GUARANTEED
CURE (which I, for one, need), whether you are a believer or not!!
Larry Mayka, for one, takes this view as to "pinpointing" dates:
"I would phrase the issue differently: Are the apocalyptic prophecies =absolutely
unconditional= (as to the timing, spacing, and ordering), or do they have an element
of conditionality, such that God reserves the right to rearrange his plans (to
some degree) according to the response of the human race. Put another way, perhaps
God did not wish to give us an absolute, unconditional, unambiguous ordering of
events--perhaps he preferred to leave an element of mystery--a degree of freedom,
as a mathematician would say--for various reasons."
The
answer here would seem to be that the date of the Miracle *has* definitely been
set, but everything else is "flexible".
Larry continued:
"A more radical approach would even rethink some of the many Biblical
prophetic interpretations that "didn't come true" or "must have been a mistake."
For example, perhaps Jesus was =deliberately= ambiguous as to whether the fall
of Jerusalem (which actually occurred around 70 A.D.) would be proximately followed
by His Second Coming. In other words, perhaps He meant to "reserve the right"
to return "early" if humankind's response to His Gospel proved too meager. This
would explain why the Apostles, including especially Paul, seemed =almost sure=
that Christ would return within a generation or two."
But there is currently a plethora of reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary around
the world. She is pleading with, and calling her children - NOT JUST CATHOLICS,
BUT ALL OF MANKIND - back to God, as never before in history.
For
the last several years, Our Lady has spoken of a special time which She is waiting
impatiently for. An extraordinary and particular time of world history unlike
any since Adam's time. This past Christmas Day, December 25, 1995, the Virgin
Mary revealed that we have entered that time.
St. John Bosco prophesied:
"Wickedness is consumed; sin has come to an end and, before there are two full
moons in the month of flowers, the rainbow of peace will appear on earth.
St John Bosco lived in Turin Italy where March is and has always been the
month of the flowers. In this century, the month of 2 full moons which corresponds
to the month of the flowers in message and St. John Bosco's prophecy is March
l999.
In March l999 there will be a full moon on the 2nd and again
on the 31st. March is the month consecrated to St. Joseph, whose feastday is on
the 19th, the full crescent of the new moon.
This could easily correspond
to fulfillment of the Miracle *and* to declaration of a new Marian dogma as predicted
by Mary at an apparition in Amsterdam 40 years ago. Such a timeframe might include
a scenario with the Miracle coming in the spring of 1998, followed by the last
Marian dogma on May 31st.
There has been another important message
allegedly received through a Marian priest, Father Stefano Gobbi -
"I CONFIRM TO YOU THAT, BY THE GREAT JUBILEE OF THE YEAR 2000, THERE WILL TAKE
PLACE THE TRIUMPH OF MY IMMACULATE HEART, OF WHICH I FORETOLD YOU AT FATIMA, AND
THIS WILL COME TO PASS WITH THE RETURN OF JESUS IN GLORY, TO ESTABLISH HIS REIGN
IN THE WORLD. THUS YOU WILL AT LAST BE ABLE TO SEE WITH YOUR OWN EYES THE NEW
HEAVENS AND THE NEW EARTH."
There have been many
other predictions indicating that we are now living in the end times - these materialistic,
worldly, satanic times - the time between the 1st and 2nd Coming of Christ.
The Warning will probably be the first event - the event that will signal
the beginning of great prodigies to come - the beginning of the end of this era
of time (***NOT*** "THE END OF THE WORLD"), after which everyone will be physically
and spiritually renewed.
The Warning could come very soon. It's safe
to say that it is IMMINENT.
Obviously, everyone will know it when
this happens. Even if you don't believe it now, please remember that the Miracle
will be the following April.
These particular events have been predicted
for many years, and there is EVERY reason to believe that the time of fulfillment
has arrived.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subj:
2- Seeking Refuge in Mary
Section: * Speculation *
From: Michael J. Coppi
76726,2533
To: Everyone
Date: 31-Jul-97 23:04
I guess the
biggest obstacle we tend to encounter when we speak of an Antipope, or the Antichrist,
or any type of diabolical infiltration of the Church ("smoke in the Sanctuary")
is the Scriptural quote that: "The gates of Hell shall not prevail against it"
(Matt. 16:18).
Surely what that passage indicates is that *ULTIMATELY*
Satan will NEVER retain any domination over the Church. This is similar to when
Our Lady says: *IN THE END* my Immaculate Heart will triumph.
We know
there will be tribulations and demonic forces in the world before the Era of Peace,
but *ULTIMATELY* Satan will be conquered. And so it may happen in the Church:
humanism/liberalism/Freemasonry *may* gain a brief "foothold", but *ULTIMATELY*
the true Church will prevail.
And in fact, Mary's messages *do* indicate
that the Church (and the Pope) will undergo much suffering. One might say that
the Church *parallels* the life of Christ. The Church has followed our Lord's
life throughout the centuries.
It is now undergoing persecution, and
soon it will be crucified. In Mary's words: "My motherly plan is to assist the
Church along the sorrowful way of its crucifixion and martyrdom..."
In a brief "faux victory", Satan will believe the Church is dead. But just as
Christ rose on the third day, the remnant Faithful will rise after the 3 Days
of Darkness, thus *ULTIMATELY* resurrecting the Church.
The "gates
of Hell" will *seemingly* prevail for a brief time, but the Catholic Church, in
conjunction with Mary's Immaculate Heart will *ULTIMATELY* be triumphant. Here
is another message alluding precisely to this point: "My victory has been foretold
over [the forces of evil which are] *APPARENTLY* victorius today." The Virgin
Mary goes on to remind us that *her* ultimate & pre-ordained victory "...will
be obtained through the triumph of my Immaculate Heart in the world..."
That is why she tells us to PERSEVERE and why we must seek her "shelter" - to
endure whatever tribulations may come. "How difficult are the days in which you
are living!"...she says...This is the conclusive period of the purification and
the great tribulation. Thus it is that all humanity has become possessed by the
spirits of evil..."
The solution she gives us is simple: "...I am
your heavenly Mother who invites you to all gather together under my immaculate
mantle, to be protected and led to Jesus your Savior...I am the refuge of sinners...my
Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God!"
If we are experiencing this period of "purification" and "great tribulation"
right now, if there is to be "a new springtime of Christian life...by the Great
Jubilee (of the year 2000)", and if things are to get worse under the reign of
the Antichrist, then what happened to his 3-1/2 year reign?
We are
currently undergoing trials, because there is indeed massive evil present in the
world. Mary seemingly refers to these wicked powers, yet also to a specific entity,
in messages where she declares opposition to "the great army of the enemies of
God under him who opposes himself to Christ, that is, of the Antichrist." As Christians,
our sufferings (tribulations) would certainly be intensified while he is in power.
First let's examine just how we go about seeking Mary's "refuge".
Is she going to throw down some sort of impermeable tarp for us to hide under?
That would hardly be the *spiritual* refuge expected of a Divine Mother.
William O'Mailley reminds us:
"May all of us learn
to take to heart as our own, the words spoken by Our Blessed Lady to Lucia at
Fatima in 1917 -
"My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge
and the way that will lead you to God"
Pope John Paul II effectively summed up that the ROSARY is our primary link to
our mother in heaven:
"The call for repentance is maternal
and...is associated, as always, with the call for prayer...Our Lady of Fatima
points to the ROSARY, which can justly be defined as 'MARY'S prayer' - the prayer
in which she feels particularly united with us...That is why the maternal message
[of the Mother who desires every man's salvation]...recommends the ROSARY."
And Pope Leo XIII once said:
"There
is nothing more excellent than...lifting up supplications to the Blessed Virgin
Mary as [we] meditate on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary...The Rosary is the
protection of the Mother of God against the enemies of the Catholic Church...The
great Virgin of the Rosary is the most potent help of Christians."
The Brown SCAPULAR is the other badge we wear to show our devotion to, and desire
to be protected by Mary. Pope Pius XII commented:
"The
SCAPULAR will be for all the sign of our consecration to the Immaculate Heart
of Mary."
The Brown Scapular is a Sacramental, and
is a sign of salvation, a protection in danger, and a pledge of peace. The Scapular
is the promise of Mary's prayer. It is the masterpiece of the love of the Heart
of Mary.
Sister Lucia (visionary from Fatima) also urges us to pray
the Rosary:
"The Most Holy Virgin, in these last times
in which we live, has given a new efficacy to the recitation of the Rosary to
such an extent that there is no problem, no matter how difficult it is...that
we cannot resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary. With the Holy Rosary we will
save ourselves. We will console Our Lord and obtain the salvation of many souls."
Regarding the Rosary, St. Dominic put it simply:
"God has left us the ROSARY that we may learn with Mary's
help to pray easily, and simply in holy trust".
So
devotion to Mary - veneration, confidence and love - especially through the Brown
Scapular and the Rosary, is how we mystically seek refuge in Mary's Immaculate
Heart. St. Louis de Montfort tells us that such devotion "is a sure means of going
to Jesus, because the attribute of the Blessed Virgin is to lead us surely to
Christ, just as Jesus Christ's attribute is to lead us surely to the Eternal Father.."
The *easiest* route to Heaven is: Mary ---> Jesus ---> the Father.
God gives His Graces through Mary's Immaculate Heart (united with the Sacred Heart
of Jesus). And so we can begin to understand the meaning of the Gospa's messages
of Medjugorje: "Members of all faiths are equal before God...Salvation is available
to everyone, without exception. Only those who refuse God deliberately are condemned."
Seeking Mary's intercession, then, is the safest course of action
for those of us who "know" her but she, on the other hand, "knows" all men, and
therefore excludes none of them from the love of her Immaculate Heart.
In other words, when we say that Mary is the Mother of all men, it does not necessarily
mean that all men believe in her and accept her as Mother, but that she accepts
them anyways. That is her great mystery as Mother and as Queen. Jesus Christ is
formed in the souls of those devoted to the Immaculate Heart. And, in turn, the
Father manifests Himself through Jesus Christ.
It is perhaps most
important to note the 3 places of refuge described by Our Lord:
"MY
DIVINE HEART"
"MY DIVINE CROSS"
"MY BELOVED IMMACULATE
MOTHER"
Now to address the "timing of Antichrist question............
*THE* Antichrist may well assume power before the 3rd millenium Specifically,
between the Warning and the year 2000. If this had occured before July of 1997,
a literal 3-1/2 year reign could have been completed before 2001.
But we have to examine the book of Revelation again, and consider that the numbers
found there are symbols, not meant to be taken literally or arithmetically.
The number "7" represents wholeness/perfection. 3-1/2 then, is a qualitative
value representing disunity/chaos. If we thus loose ourselves from the "requirement"
that 3-1/2 be a *quantitative* number of years, we can couple the chaotic reign
of the Antichrist (who, *is* a real entity based on centuries of prophecy) and
the perfect reign Christ that will follow, with Mary's messages telling us that
the "times [of physical struggles waged between the followers of Christ, and his
Adversary] will be shortened."
"666" would likewise be symbolic as
a thrice repeated imperfect number, just as "333" represents the Trinity (although
there may be a physical counterpart: 3 x 666 = 1998, or "666" inverted = [1]999).
We've always known that prayer (such as the Rosary) is a powerful
tool in combatting sinister forces. As a result of Mary's calling us to prayer,
it would seem that the reign of Antichrist has been "shortened" (from a qualitative
length of time that had always been based on mankind's response to God) to a somewhat
shorter (less than 2 year) period.
In other words, seemingly "designated"
time intervals are really qualitative ("flexible"), rather than quantitative,
based on mankind's free will. In these last times, that amounts to how positively
we have responded to all the heavenly messages received since 1830.
Certainly, at least one date *has* been definitely set. At Garabandal in the early
1960's, a precise date for the Miracle *was* given. But overall, God is "managing"
the timeframe - preordained events that are to transpire before and after the
"set" Miracle may be prolonged or delayed (recall Mary said that the "times will
be shortened"). As these events unfold, we can more accurately "speculate", by
process of elimination, what will occur next (and approximately when).
Alternately, we also must consider that the "reign of the Antichrist" may not
come until prior to the "Last Judgement".
- Mike Coppi, Michael_J_Coppi@compuserve.com
See also, "Future & Faith"- http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/7881/
Here
is the parallel presentation of Maitraya
by Benjamin Creme recently:
HERE IS THE
REPORT OF BROTHER EASTWOOD
ON THE NOVEMBER 18, 1997 LECTURE IN ALTLANT,
GA BY BENJAMIN CREME:
http://home.sprynet.com/sprynet/eastwood01/hotlanta.htm
