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?

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 8, 2010

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