Extracted and modified from Ralph Martin’s article in RM Website 2023
People regularly ask me about something called the Warning or Illumination of Conscience. This refers to a stream of prophecy that we find in Catholic history and some contemporary Marian apparitions. It refers to a future time when the Lord in his great mercy will address the whole world with an exterior sign and an interior illumination about where we stand with God. It will be an invitation to profound repentance by a very special grace of God.
References to the Warning and Illumination of Conscience date back to the time of Edmond Campion (1540-1581) and Blessed Anna Taigi (1769-1837). St. Faustina (1905-1938) also wrote in her Diary that Jesus told her:
“Write this: before I come as the just Judge, I am coming first as the King of Mercy. Before the day of justice arrives, there will be given to people a sign in the heavens of this sort: All light in the heavens will be extinguished, and there will be great darkness over the whole earth. Then the sign of the cross will be seen in the sky, and from the openings where the hands and the feet of the Savior were nailed will come forth great lights which will light up the earth for a period of time. This will take place shortly before the last day.” (Section 83)
In other places in St. Faustina’s Diary, Jesus says He is calling her to prepare the world for the Second Coming.
We will see the good that we have failed to do and the bad we have done, and then we will feel a great love toward our heavenly Father. We will ask forgiveness for all our offenses. The purpose of the warning is to draw us closer to Him and to increase our faith. One should prepare for that day but not await it fearfully. God does not send things for the sake of fear but rather, with justice and love, He does it for the good of his children so they might enjoy eternal happiness and not be lost.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if God gave everyone a chance to repent and be sorrowful for their sins? We shouldn’t count on it happening in our lifetime, and sadly we also shouldn’t count on everyone responding to it with open hearts.
The possibility of this happening does not in any way remove our need to get up every day and try to live in a way that glorifies God and helps others. We must continue doing all we can for the salvation of souls. We must not fall into the trap of waiting for something that may or may not happen. Even if it does occur, it may not happen in time for those who are now on the broad path heading to destruction. Therefore, we must work while the light lasts every day.
Despite special graces and miracles that the Lord may do in history and in some people’s lives, people harden their hearts. When Jesus rose from the dead and appeared in glory, many didn’t believe. When Jesus performed signs and wonders during his earthly lifetime, many people saw them but didn’t open their hearts.
In conclusion, although special graces may come, don’t depend on them. Heed now the word that’s being spoken to us. Heed now the revelation that has been given to us. Heed now Moses, the prophets, and all the books of the New Testament. Heed now the one who is truly risen from the dead and is present in these words that are being spoken, is present wherever we are. Jesus is near us right now. Don’t hesitate to respond to Him in repentance, faith, and love. Remember, Jesus is Lord and has already won a great victory!
Martin, R. (2023). The warning and illumination of conscience. Renewal Ministries. https://www.renewalministries.net/the-warning-and-illumination-of-conscience/
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