|
|
The Role of the Virgin Mary in
the End Times
Introduction
One of the great contributions of St. Louis-Marie Grignion
de Montfort in the teaching about Mary is his writing about
her role in the latter times. A quote from his book, "The
True Devotion to Mary", states and expresses well this role
of Mary in the end times:
"The salvation of the world began through Mary and through
her it must be accomplished." (True Devotion, #49)
Mary's role in the latter times
St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort explains in detail why
God wishes Mary to have a role in the end times. He writes in
his book, "The True Devotion", the details why God wishes
to make Mary better known. The reasons are as follows:
- Keeping herself hidden by her great humility, Mary
has obtained from God the favor of being made known
- God wishes to be glorified and praised by those who
devoted themselves to Him through Mary
- Mary must be known and acknowledged so that Jesus
may be known and acknowledged
- As Mary is the way by which Jesus first came to
us, she will again be the way by which Jesus will again
come to us, though not in the same manner
- Mary must be better known for the deeper understanding
and the greater glory of the Blessed Trinity
- In the latter times, or end times, Mary is to shine
forth: in mercy, to bring back sinners to God and the
Church; in power, to combat the enemies of Christ; in grace,
to inspire and support Christ's soldiers
- Mary must become as terrible as an army in battle
array to the Evil One and his followers, especially in
the end times [True Devotion, #50-54]
What are the latter times or end times?
In his very scholarly book, "The End Will Not Be At Once",
author Fr. Herman Hendrickx helps give an idea of what the
end times will be through his study of Mark 13:1-4 and Luke
21:5-36. These two passages recount what Jesus told his
disciples about the end. Although the scriptural texts
may appear frightening since it speaks not only of a world
disaster but also involving cataclysm in the cosmos, according
to bible scholars, we must also see the context of all these
in its connection to the second coming of Jesus - when the
redemption of all Christians comes near and all will be
called to stand with confidence before Christ.
Devotion to Mary is necessary in the latter times
It is in view of these end times that St. Louis-Marie de
Montfort concludes that devotion to Mary is especially
necessary. According to him, those devoting themselves
to Mary in the end times will then have recourse to her
as their advocate and mediatrix before Jesus. She will be
the "safest, easiest, shortest, and most perfect way of
approaching Jesus".
St. Louis-Marie also foresees that those who will devote
themselves to Mary in these end times will be the "true
apostles of the latter times". The simplicity and
self-sacrifice of Jesus will be reflected in the whole
behavior of all who give themselves to Jesus through
Mary in these latter times.
The latter times is a mystery
When the latter times or end times will be is beyond
all human capacity to know. St. Louis-Marie says that:
"Only God knows. For our part we must yearn and wait for
it in silence and in prayer." (True Devotion, #55-59).
Related resources:
If you wish to search for items
that you find in this web site
you can use our associate and
affiliate logos at our
old homepage
For additional ideas on what
books to see and browse, you
may check our
Affiliate Product
Catalog or search at
Google Books
|
|