A great sign appeared in heaven, Mary: Day 287

Last updated on: May 3, 2016 at 3:30 am by Pete Socks

A great sign appeared in heaven, Mary: Day 287 2016-04-28T11:10:48-05:00 Pete Socks

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

A great sign appeared in heaven

St. John Eudes explains the symbolism in the Book of Revelation’s vision of Mary in heaven.

“A great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (see Rv 12:1). What is this great sign? Who is this miraculous woman? . . . The woman is Mary, the queen among women, the Sovereign of angels and men. . . .

Mary appears in heaven because she comes from heaven, because she is heaven’s masterpiece, the Empress of Heaven, its joy and its glory, in whom everything is heavenly. Even when her body dwelt on earth, her thoughts and affections were all rapt in heaven. She is clothed with the eternal Sun of the Godhead and with all the perfections of the divine Essence, which surround, fill, and penetrate her to such an extent that she has become transformed, as it were, into the power, goodness, and holiness of God. She has the moon under her feet to show that the entire world is beneath her. None is above her, save only God, and she holds absolute sway over all created things. She is crowned with twelve stars that represent the virtues which shine so brightly in her soul. The mysteries of her life are as many stars more luminous by far than the brightest lights of the sky. The privileges and prerogatives God has granted to her, the least of which is greater than anything shining in the firmament of heaven, as well as the glory of the saints of paradise and of earth, are her crown and her glory. . . .

But why does the Holy [Spirit] call Mary “a great sign”? It is simply to tell us that everything in her is wonderful, and that the marvels that fill her being should be proclaimed to the entire world, so that she may become an object of admiration for the inhabitants of heaven as well as for mankind on earth, and so that she may be the sweet delight of angels and men. —St. John Eudes, The Admirable Heart of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

This passage from Revelation represents the last reference to Our Lady in the Bible. Many works of art portray her as St. John described her here, with the sun, moon, and stars—and also with the serpent crushed beneath her heel. How does such art tie together the last scriptural reference to Mary with the first, in Genesis?

CLOSING PRAYER

From a prayer of Venerable Pope Pius XII: O gracious Queen, O resplendent vision of paradise, dispel from our minds the darkness of error by the light of faith!
_________________________________________________________________________
Remember to subscribe to my feed so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Paul Thigpen and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below.

Previous Post

May 2, 2016

CBB Review: Stoop of Mastodon Meadow

Next Post

May 4, 2016 The Hail Mary is pleasing to Our Lady, Mary: Day 288

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category A Year with Mary A Year with the Angels A Year with the Church Fathers Book News Children's Review Featured CD Giveaway Guest Post Interview Linked Review Media review Movie Review New Releases Off the Shelf Review speakers Teen Review The Clergy Speaks The Laity Speaks The Open Book Podcast Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz