The Apocalypse of the Holy Mother of God: A Glimpse into Divine Revelation

The "Apocalypse of the Holy Mother of God Concerning the Chastisements" offers a profound look into the revelations received by the Virgin Mary. This text, along with other apocalypses such as those of Esdras and Sedrach, provides unique insights into spiritual realms and divine judgment.

A Prayer and a Descent

The narrative begins with the all-holy mother of God preparing to pray on the Mount of Olives. She invokes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, requesting the archangel Gabriel to descend and reveal the nature of chastisements and the realities of heaven, earth, and the underworld. Instead of Gabriel, the archangel Michael descends, accompanied by angels from the East, West, South, and North. These angels greet Mary with reverent titles, acknowledging her as the "reflection of the Father," "dwelling of the Son," and "command of the Holy Spirit," among other laudatory descriptions.

Inquiry into Chastisements

The holy mother of God then directs her questions to Michael, the commander-in-chief, inquiring about the chastisements that befall humanity. She asks specifically about the nature and extent of these punishments, prompting Michael to reveal the innumerable forms of chastisement.

Visions of Hades

At the command of Michael, the Western angels unveil a vision of Hades, revealing the souls undergoing chastisement. A multitude of men and women are seen in lamentation. When the highly favored one asks about their sins, Michael explains that these are individuals who did not worship the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and are therefore subjected to this torment.

The Unseen Darkness

The all-holy one then witnesses a great darkness and inquires about its significance and the identities of those being chastised within it. Michael informs her that many souls reside in this darkness. Despite her request to dispel the darkness and witness this particular chastisement, she is initially denied. The guarding angels state that they are under orders from the "invisible Father" to keep this darkness concealed until the light of her blessed Son shines forth. However, moved by grief, the all-holy mother of God invokes the Trinity, and it is implied that a further revelation may occur.