I recently read a best seller Catholic spiritual book called The Warning – Testimonies and Prophecies of the Illumination of Conscience by Christine Watkins. The book is an excellent read, a real page turner. I am thankful that I read it. In some ways, the book pretty much confirms my own personal theories about what will transpire from above one day – very possibly before the end of this century.
Here is a quote that is on the back of the book:
“With His divine love, He will open the doors of hearts and illuminate all consciences. Every person will see himself in the burning fire of divine truth. It will be like a judgment in miniature. – Our Lady to Fr. Stefano Gobbi of the Marian Movement of Priests
Here are some related links about the book:
Book Trailer about the Warning
A Movie will be made about the Warning
The “warning” is about a prophesized day when everyone will see their souls in the piercing light of Divine truth. Our souls and our lives will be examined by God.
Fearful shall they come, at the counting up of their sins… Wisdom 4:20
Some saints and mystics such as St. Faustina Kowalsa have given us testimonials that they have already experienced it on a spiritual level. They basically all say or “warn” the same thing about it: Get ready for it. Amend your lives as best as you can.
There are numerous people mentioned in the book that have received private revelations about the Divine Illumination. Matthew Kelly is one of them. Matthew Kelly is a renowned Catholic layman, speaker, the author of many books on Catholic spirituality (often provided to parishes) and the founder of Dynamic Catholic.
Matthew Kelly and many others in the book attest from their own private revelations – in the Divine illumination, will see the damage that sin caused in our lives and in the lives of others. Our sins and conduct have a ripple effect over the entire cosmos.
For your creation, serving you, its maker, grows tense for punishment against the wicked, but is relaxed in benefit for those who trust in you. Wisdom 16:24
The sin of our lives, even the smallest venial sins we have committed, will be contrasted with the holy Divine life and the overwhelming glory and goodness of God.
And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn…Matthew 24:30
There will be much weeping and mourning. They say some people will not be able to recover from the illumination! We all fall short before the glory of God.
All have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
Flashes of lightning and booming thunder might help to give us some level of perspective of the power of God that may be involved in what has also been referred to as the mini judgment. There is Biblical truth to that comparison.
Shafts of lightning will fly with true aim, and will leap to the target as from a well-drawn bow of clouds. Wisdom 5:21
The good news is that we can start preparing today for the Divine illumination.
Spiritual Vigilance – How to Prepare
Instructions on how to prepare for the illumination of conscience have been given to us by various apparitions of the Blessed Mother and her messages from them for over the past two hundred years. In addition, God has also spoken to other saints and mystics about what we should do and not do so that we will be prepared.
…There will come a great wonder that will fill the world with astonishment. – Blessed Pope Pius IX
The Divine message that has been given to us about the illumination of conscience is significant. I recently learned from Fr. Mark Goring that God will not take any such type action before first informing us about it (through His chosen prophets). There is a scripture verse in the Old Testament that supports this Divine principle.
Indeed, the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7
I want to please share with you in this post what I learned about how to be prepared for the impending illumination of conscience. It is interesting to note – the previous book I read was a spiritual warfare book. The author provided recommendations on “things to do and not do” from a spiritual warfare standpoint. A lot of the information I found in both books to be similar in regards to exhortations (do’s and don’ts).
12 Different Ways to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience
There are multiple ways families should prepare for this Divine event. The twelve ways of preparation are supported with sacred scripture verses for contemplation.
#1 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience
Repent
…Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17
- Repent.
- Turn back to God.
- Amend our lives.
- Do acts of penance for our sins.
- Make reparation to God for our own sins.
- Make reparation to God for the sins of the world.
- Turn away from evil with our whole heart.
- Open our hearts to God’s love and mercy.
- Do much penance in this life.
- Renounce ourselves.
- Live a life of conversion.
- Live each day as if it was our last day.
- Let Christ reign in our hearts and lives.
#2 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience
Pray
Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41
- Pray, pray, pray.
- Pray, much (helps to calm the indignation of God).
- Recite the Holy Rosary often (prayer is powerful with God).
- Pray as a family.
- Visit the Blessed Sacrament every day when possible.
- Pray the holy rosary daily.
- Pray in reparation for our sins and the sins of others.
- Pray now more than ever.
- Pray from the heart.
- Especially pray the rosary.
- Pray together as a community (parish, small church group, etc.).
#3 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience
Live a Sacramental Life
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the holy Spirit be with all of you. 2 Corinthians 13:13
- Frequent the Sacrament of Confession.
- Attend Sunday Mass and Daily Mass.
- Frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament.
#4 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience
Consecrate your family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and St. Joseph
…Jesus stood up and exclaimed, “Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as scripture says: ‘Rivers of living water will flow from within him.’” John 7:37-38
- Families should consecrate themselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
- Families should consecrate themselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
- Families should consecrate themselves to St. Joseph and his protection.
- The consecrations will lead us closer to God.
- The consecrations will prepare us for the things to come.
#5 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience
Live Out Vocational Responsibilities
Many are invited, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14
- Take the traditional teachings of the Catholic faith extremely seriously.
- Less emphasis on entertainments and amusements.
- Live faithfully the vocations God has called for each of us.
- Prepare with renewed tenacity.
- Prepare with firm decision.
- Do not be lazy.
- Do not be uninterested in our vocations.
- Do not be indifferent.
- Indifferent souls consumed by laziness are in jeopardy.
- Souls living out a genuine vocation will survive.
- Remain faithful to all the Holy Spirit directs you to do.
- Act in everything the Most Holy Mary is calling you to do.
- Living a life of peace.
- Live as children of the Lord.
- Abandon yourself to the Holy Spirit.
- The Holy Spirit will help you to do the Holy Will of God
- Believe in the Gospel.
- Live a good, just, simple life.
#6 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience
Scripture Study
Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
- Get to know God’s love for us with scripture study.
- Bible study is essential.
- Read the daily scripture readings for Mass.
#7 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience
Examination of Conscience
Hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 1 Timothy 3:9
- Do not fear anything or anybody (2 Tim 1:7).
- Examine yourselves more closely.
- Discover what your defects are.
- Ask Jesus to open your eyes so that you can see your wretchedness.
- Do not judge your actions.
- Do not judge the actions of others.
- Simply try to become a better version of yourself for God each day.
#8 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience
Detachment from the World
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24
- Do not be attached to the ways of the world or the goods of the world.
- Think very often that we are here to go to heaven and to be saints.
- Know the difference between detachment and attachment.
#9 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience
Practice the Virtue of Mortification
For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13
- Fast often.
- Make sacrifices for the reparation of sin.
- Offer up your personal sacrifices to God.
- Learn about the virtue (a good habit) of mortification.
#10 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience
Have Faith in God
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
- Have faith in God.
- Trust in God.
- Have confidence in God (confidence in ourselves is rooted in the sin of pride).
- Remember God has a plan for you (Jer 29:11) and is with you (Mt. 28:20).
#11 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience
Strive for Interior Peace of the Soul
…Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19
- Our souls must be at peace in God.
- We must forgive and be at peace with one another.
- Strive to become a better person each day.
- Find solace in God and His Church.
#12 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience
Love God and Love One Another
The Greatest Commandment Luke 10:25-28
There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?”
He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”
- Love God with all our mind, heart, soul and strength.
- Love our neighbor as ourselves.
- God wants us to love Him.
- It is vital we must learn how to really love.
- Love respects the little things as well as the big things.
Be Prepared!
We must always be prepared. We have to get ready for God’s judgment. Remember the world’s standards we live in are a false indication of God’s justice. We should strive to bring as many others as we can to be prepared for the Divine illumination.
As your hearts have been disposed to stray from God, turn now ten times the more to seek Him; For He who has brought disaster upon you will, in saving you, bring back enduring joy. Baruch 4:28-29
Consider the words of the great modern mystic, St. Faustina Kowalska:
“…Suddenly, I saw the complete condition of my soul as God sees it. I could clearly see all that is displeasing to God. I did not know that even the smallest transgressions will have to be accounted for. What a moment! Who can describe it! To stand before the Thrice-Holy God! (Diary, 36)
Recap
Our salvation ultimately depends on the integrity of our lives in obedience to Christ.
There is a homily written about it from the second century in the Liturgy of the Hours Volume IV p.529. The imminent Divine judgement we will all face (God revealed “judgment” is the best word we have to try to describe it) should not be taken lightly. Just as God has said He is preparing a place for us, we should wisely make sure the lamps of our lives are filled with righteousness and be prepared to meet Him.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. John 14:2-3
- We can take comfort in the Gospels that the Prodigal Son turned away from a selfish and sinful lifestyle, and God symbolically embraced him for it.
- We can take heed that the Prodigal Son symbolically came back to be with God and chose to live out his life obediently under God’s Divine Authority.
This is the most important of all My messages: I am the Lord, your God. You are my sons and daughters, whom I love very much, and my greatest delight is in being with you; and I want to be with you for eternity. Anything I do is done out of love for you, My children. Trust in Me, your Heavenly Father. – Private Revelation from God the Father to Matthew Kelly June 5, 1993