The Woman & the Dragon

Revelation 12 reveals to us how the beast was conquered, and gives a complex symbol of oppressive worldly powers, compelling us to consider how spiritual prophecy relates to political and social entities today.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have salvation and power come, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed. For the accuser of our brothers is cast out, who accuses them before our God day and night. They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; love for life did not deter them from death. Therefore, rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them. But woe to you, earth and sea, for the Devil has come down to you in great fury, for he knows he has but a short time.” (Rev. 12:10-12)

December 8th the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Nine months later, September 8th, we celebrate the Feast of her Nativity. Saint Andrew of Crete wrote: “The present festival, the birth of the Mother of God, is the prelude, while the final act is the foreordained union of the Word with flesh.”

The Devil accuses us of breaking the law, but the blood of the Lamb justifies those who in all humility seek God’s mercy and forgiveness. By the grace of God, we give testimony to the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (God’s Anointed Messiah) even to the point of martyrdom when called to give such witness that we do not fear death because we will rise with the Risen Christ.

Those who refuse to give themselves to Christ for salvation, continue to subject themselves to the law and condemnation.