Let There Be Light!

Posted on by charliej373

Let there be light

By Charlie Johnston

Last Tuesday was the Feast Day of St. Pius X – and also my first full day back in Denver after two and a half months. When I went to Mass, the Priest was not who I expected. Rather, it was a Priest known for his heterodoxy. I had long ago decided that I would find something else to do if I came upon this Priest, as I hate leaving Mass angry and offended. But I decided to stay to see if he would speak on the scandals and, if so, whether there would be any sense of contrition or responsibility in his homily. Whoo boy, I was treated to one of the most ugly, ignorant, profane homilies I have ever managed to sit through.

He began by blaming the scandals largely on the pre-Vatican II Church, pronouncing the “spirit of Vatican II”  to have blown a breath of fresh air throughout the Church. Sourly, I thought that a tree is known by the fruit it bears – and massive sexual predation at the highest levels is not what I would call “fresh air,” much less good fruit. This Priest never speaks without congratulating himself repeatedly on what a profound and enlightened intellect he has. He noted that the traditionalists want to go back to the bad old days before the fresh air blew through – but that is because of their intellectual deficiencies. He remarked that they even have a society, something like the St. Peter Society. It took remarkable restraint to keep from jumping up and shouting that it is the St. Pius X Society – and this on his feast day. (There is a Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter which is traditionalist but entirely faithful to the Magisterium – and the Society of St. Pius X which is traditionalist and dissents, in some cases, from the Magisterium) Sadly, I don’t think he was being sly; I think he really did not know. He is one of those worldly sorts who thinks their intellectual acuity does not involve knowing actual facts and stuff: it is the ideological pretensions that make “wisdom,” not any intellectual rigor. He did speak highly of St. Pius X, but bizarrely intimated that Pius would be one of the heterodox, progressive cohort if he were around today.

The Priest spoke of what a step backwards the Church took with the papacy of St. John Paul II, though he excused John Paul because that Pope was clearly a backwards, unintellectual rube from a communist country who had little experience of the world and so was held captive by the Deep State of the curia of the time. (I am not making this up). He bemoaned that John Paul did not really understand Vatican II, so that held us back. Again, I resisted the crushing urge to tell him that St. John Paul was one of the primary architects of the documents of Vatican II – and his papacy gave them their authentic interpretation, contrary to the “spirit of Vatican II” nonsense all the Bishop Wormtongues were – and still are – peddling. It was painful to hear this befuddled fellow denigrate the acumen of one of the greatest intellectual giants the Church has ever produced. But in a peculiar way, it caused me to sympathize with him somewhat. For the first time I thought to myself, “He really doesn’t know much of anything.”

He closed by urging frequent reception of communion while denigrating the Sacrament of Confession. He noted that some people are thinking of leaving the Church because of the scandals. His solution was to just let them go, respecting their free will. Really, I am not making this up. Afterwards, several people told me they were surprised that my head did not just explode. I was too busy thinking that, man, we really are going to need a bigger boat.

In the few days since I have been back home, I have been deeply contemplating the trouble we are in throughout the world, in our country, and mainly in the Church. We’ve got a whupping coming, and that right soon. Several things strike me about the Church scandals going forward.

First, this time, the Bishops need to speak plainly and stay away from obfuscating clericalese. I know many of them think it makes them sound like St. Thomas Aquinas, but the reality is that it is usually a pale parody of the vibrant words of such as Sts. Thomas Aquinas, Augustine and John Paul. It mimics the style while neglecting the substance. A better example for how to speak on this would be from the Apostles Paul and Peter. They spoke plainly on impenetrable things. The best example of who to imitate is Christ, Himself – God in the flesh. The Lord often spoke mysteriously, but the things He wanted to drive home He did with plain speech and vivid, earthy metaphors. It is a mark of our limitation, not our sophistication, that we often speak so formally and pompously to get our point across. Unlike Christ, we struggle to explain complicated things clearly and simply, so we camouflage our limitations with a word salad. On this one, the Bishops had best speak plainly if they would be heard. The best statement I have heard thus far came from Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison, Wisconsin. It was clear, blunt and did not mince words. I hope others are taking note.

Second, I have heard some suggest that the laity must take control in this. I have long said that this is the moment for the authentic apostolate of the laity – but this is a bridge too far. It was Christ who entrusted the governance of the Church to His Apostles, the Bishops. I am not about to start contradicting Christ, thinking I have a better plan. It is the Bishops who must steer this ship. But as I said, we, the crew, have the right to demand that they do not abuse us and don’t drive us into the shoals. We, the laity, have failed our duty to those clergy have lived faith by treating the wolves with the same deference we treat the shepherds. In so doing, we have enabled the wolves, the Judas Bishops, and enfeebled the devout. St. Paul speaks of this several times, most clearly in Galatians 1:6-10: “…there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ, but even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed.” Our refusal to demand sound doctrine is a huge part of the problem. Paradoxically, while no Bishop should abdicate his responsibility to lead and decide, the wisest Bishops will entrust investigations of these horrors to the laity. Portland’s Archbishop Alexander K. Sample has taken the leading role in this in his Archdiocese. We will be able to tell who is just giving lip service from who means it by what they do, not so much what they say. And yes, though we must not presume to take the wheel of the ship, we must hold Bishops to account for proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, not some Gospel of their own vain imaginations.

Third, remember that in Pope Leo XIII’s vision of the satan’s conversation with the Lord, the satan swore to destroy the Church, not just pervert the hierarchy. Do NOT let your zeal for your reform cause you to become an unwitting ally of the satan’s plan. It is going to get much uglier. The Judas Bishops have no timidity; they will try to leverage this to destroy more faithful clerics than they already have. Some may even throw on a phony cloak of orthodoxy, like the late Rev. Marciel Macial, once leader of the Legionnaires of Christ. The secular world wants to destroy the Catholic Church and will try to leverage the same. Many innocent Priests are going to be accused – sometimes by scabrous, wolfish clerics. I think back to when Our Lady told me, just before the Dallas Conference in 2002 that “they will scarcely acknowledge my Holy Son.” It infuriates me that, even as they met, some in attendance were mouthing empty pieties while plotting how to keep their fleshpots running and how to derail those who would deprive them of them. It brings home a larger dimension of what Our Lady was saying. Judge righteous judgment.

This will become a preponderant theme here for a time. The temptation for many will be to abandon the faith, to look the other way and leave someone else to take care of it, or to let growing rage scorch both the just and the unjust. Don’t do it. If you do you become participants in the satan’s scheme. We are the children of light, called to be the light of the world, called to carry the light of Christ to the world with power, conviction and clarity. Paper-shuffling, bureaucratic clericalism is bad enough, but we are faced with a satanic clericalism that blasphemously uses the things of God to feed its disordered and unnatural lusts. I have long said we live in the times described in Revelation 12 – and I would not be surprised if the number of the clergy that is completely corrupted will be similar to the number of angels cast out of heaven for the same reason. God will cast them out IF we make common cause with those brave clerics who, often persecuted and cowed, are prepared to rise to the forefront and follow the Lord’s command to “feed my lambs.”

I direct you to Fr. Richard Heilman’s Roman Catholic Man site, which is leading the charge for The Holy League’s 54-day Novena for Our Nation, to culminate with the National Rosary Rally in Washington, D.C. on October 7.

I will close with some lengthy and slightly modified, excerpts from a message I sent to my team about a week ago:

“There has been much that is significant going on in the world. All the foundational pillars from which we receive a sense of security have, indeed, crumbled. 

We can all see a little better what I was getting at when I have often said that, in some ways, things would be far worse than what we could imagine and, in some ways, not nearly as bad. People’s imaginations insist on seeing a “War of the World’s” apocalyptic scenario that isn’t quite coming, while failing to appreciate the horror of finding that almost all the institutions we rely on are either betrayers or have been internally betrayed. Who can you trust? When that question arises in such a comprehensive way, you know a truly deep horror.

Of course, we can always count on God – but for many (most) even that gets strained as all the visible pillars of support are shown to be visibly corrupted. This gets, really, to the heart of my message – to be a sign of hope. If our only reliable source of security is in God, then we must hold fast to that source…always acknowledging God, then very deliberately taking the next right step (knowing full well that in our feebleness, it will sometimes be the wrong one – but knowing equally well that when we steadfastly acknowledge God, He will set us  right even when we have set ourselves wrong), and then BE a sign of hope to those around us. Now is the time when the third leg of that triune formula I set forward comes to the forefront. In a time when so many trusted people and institutions have turned out to be frauds and active betrayers, the question is not where to find hope: we find hope in the same place it has remained solidly anchored from time immemorial – in God. We are, of course, a sacramental people. We need those visible signs of God’s invisible grace…but in these times, we are most urgently called to BE visible signs of God’s invisible grace…thus, be a sign of hope to those around you.

I, too, am affected by the hideous nature of all the revelations gushing forth with ever greater force. I will tell you that, since the beginning of the year, what I hear frequently – insistently, if not forcefully – is the phrase, “Let there be light.” It is not like any locution or apparition I have ever had…and I am by no means sure this is not just from within me. But, glory! It is insistent. Rising too, but ever so very slowly. But insistent, like a primordial force. So, lest I get distracted by the winds and the waves growing around us, I focus ferociously on the things I know I would want the Lord to find me at should He come: re-building the culture of life. I seriously doubt it will stay the trials we have before us, but I KNOW it will help enable us to deal with them far better…

…The main point here is that I am working at concrete things that are perfectly aligned with the larger spiritual goal. That way, whatever happens and whenever it happens it is all seamless – seamlessly devoted to rebuilding a culture of life that is the fertile eco-system for a healthy Christian culture. I may have to stop everything suddenly if things go dramatically south – but only so as to work at a different aspect of what I am already working at…being a sign of hope. This is what we all should do. Do specific, concrete things that help along the larger goal…which is to re-build the City of God. Care for your children, work at your Parish, do the things that Christ always directed us to – and with solid muscle behind it…but remain supple enough to move seamlessly into whatever else may be required to get to the Triumph…Prepare for what you can reasonably foresee but have no care about what you can’t – knowing that so long as you are acknowledging God, He will prepare you for what you have not taken into account – and know that you will have surprises. Remember that much of this is designed to remind each of us that He is our ONLY source of security…and to ram home to our feeble minds that He is all the security we need.

I cringe a little any time anyone asks me about when anything might happen. Ha! Throughout my life I have been deadly, chillingly on point on interpreting the what…but I REALLY stink at interpreting the when. So the key for me, as well as each of you, is to remain steadfastly prepared to acknowledge God, take the next right step, and be a sign of hope at every moment and in every circumstance. That is enough. Which does not mean you cannot look at the signs of the times, only that you must remain focused on your duty before God and to your neighbor. Certainly, from a purely temporal standpoint, one has to wonder if the election results, whatever they may be, will be accepted. Having already encouraged and fomented violence, will the left accept a loss without going full-bore violent revolt? Should they win, would they hesitate in the least at resuming their effort to destroy Christians and impose their will in an authoritarian, or even brutally totalitarian, way? In that case, aren’t normal people obligated to fight for freedom? I don’t know for sure how it will develop…what I do know is that I can be steadfast in acknowledging God, taking the next right step, and being a sign of hope. I prepare for those things I can reasonably foresee and don’t worry about those I can’t, trusting that God will show me the way as I need it.

I contemplate the growing refrain stuck so long in my head, “Let there be light.” Light, of course, reveals the rot that has accumulated. It is worse than I thought…and we are only at the surface of what I fear will go very deep, right into the heart of our culture. Light also cleans and sanitizes…the dark flees the light. Right now, (the dark) is screaming and howling as it flees. But there is still another sense of it all…to be a sign of hope is to be light. Christ is the light of the world…and that is the light we carry to a world broken and weary from its own terrible sins and offenses. Pray – and work – to be clear vessels through which the light of Christ will shine through with pure clarity…revealing, sanitizing and bringing hope. (Remember, to work diligently at a noble resolve is a particularly refined form of prayer -the prayer of doing, which is much neglected in these times.)  And, so, I repeat to you what has been most in my heart, mind and soul throughout this year:

Let there be light!


366 thoughts on “Let There Be Light!”

  1. Amen, Charlie! Love the LIGHT emitting from this piece.

    Incredible priest and homily story. It reminds me, again, of your Easter experience from one year when you about walked out of the church due to the priest’s homily as well as the lay folks who were walking in the communion line, sorta’ like they were queueing up for a snack purchase. Jesus appeared and said to you: “Behold My people…” He also added words conveying that He entrusted these very people, such as they were, to your care. (Please correct and/or clarify my memory if needed.) I have come to understand that mystical moments such as what you shared about that memorable Easter are meant to be recounted so that we, too, consider all the lost, broken, confused, misinformed, or wayward ones in our midst. Rather than dismiss them in disgust, we are called to accompany and shepherd them as if the Lord had said to each of us, “Behold My people.” In our willingness to tend such little ones as these – and we’re all about to be humbled as the lowly ones we truly are, even the most pretentious among us – we co-create in a process Christ LOVES to proclaim and accomplish: “Behold! I make all things new.”

    Indeed, may we BE Christ’s LIGHT in the darkness of these days, even as we follow the path He illumines for each one of us, whatever it may be, wherever it may lead. Oh Jesus, Light of the World: Lead, Kindly Light!

    Liked by 20 people

  4. Let there be light. I am in total agreement with you Charlie.

    It is interesting that my first response to those I have discussed this horrendous situation with was to put the lights on the lamp stands and NOT under the baskets.

    My anger has started to subside but it is difficult to defend the “church” and the past actions/inactions of many in it.

    I know there is no defense but I am struggling to be a witness during this time. I will light my lamp.

    God Bless

    Liked by 12 people

  5. Love this. Thank you Charlie. I’ve found that the last week I’ve had several conversations with friends about the scandel going on. Most are shocked by it. I tell them to prepare for it to get worse but that I’m so filled with hope because I feel this is the beginning of our church’s purification. That the church must go through this painful time to be the church it’s meant to be. With each of them it was like an aha moment because all they could see was the pain, anger and disbelief of the church and not the light on the other side. That it will lead to the restoring of our church. I feel such a strong pull to make sure hope is spoken, when I’m in these conversations. I live everyday, acknowledging God, taking the next right step, and being a sign of hope even when it’s difficult. Thank you for continuously showing us how to live it so that we may go out and spread the postive ripple effect.

    Liked by 16 people

  6. My one consolation in the past 24 months has been that things are coming into the light of day which were once kept out of sight in the darkness. This has also been the source of my scourging. Now that I contemplate it, I should have expected that it would be painful to be suddenly present to God’s Light in my sinful state. How could it be any other way?

    May the Peace, Love and Mercy of Christ be with each of you, my brothers and sisters. I’m going to Confession.

    Liked by 17 people

    1. Thomas Augustine this is just so beautiful. And right where we all need to be right now….humility before God with trust in His Merciful Love. This is how the Church will be rebuilt. Through conversion and holiness. God Bless you!!

      Liked by 10 people

  7. I would have gone full postal ballistic on that priest. Since the election of Trump and the homosexual hierarchy the evil that has lurked in the background the Holy Ghost has shed his light.
    I do not blame the laity for being led down the garden path,with poor Catholic formation, these evil prelates used their prestige to lull the sheep astray, but I saw this a along, maybe most did as well but they were taught to respect the hierarchy as though they were gods. I never respected any apostate prelate. If this pope does not take Wuerl’s red hat then he is a homosexual enabler or will he again call it a calumny on Wuerl?

    Liked by 5 people

  9. Thank you! This is beautiful, Charlie, and brings hope to an increasingly challenging time, and a humbling one. Prayers for all the priests, bishops and cardinals and for Pope Francis. Prayers for the guilty to seek repentance and bring the light of truth to this confusion. They know so much and if they turn from their wicked ways and speak out against themselves and their fellow conspirators, their repentance will serve to cleanse the church. Prayers for the innocent to be protected. God bless them- such a crucifixion to be falsely accused of something so terrible. Prayers that the Blessed Mother teach us all that we need to know and help us to do God’s will in all things, in spite of ourselves.

    Liked by 15 people

    2. Thankful, you are so right about the need for prayers for our Shepherds. All of them… the good, the bad and the ugly. I find myself thinking a lot about the fact that Our Lady has been relentless in calling us to pray for our Shepherds for a very long time now (Medjugorje).
      Regarding the suffering of innocent priests….Sam Guzman over at The Catholic Gentleman blog posted an interesting column today about a film from 2014. It sounds like it is not for the faint of heart, but he feels that it is animportant watch and very particular to these times. I will try to see if I can remember how to include a link.

      https://www.catholicgentleman.net/2018/08/calvary-a-film-for-our-times/

      Liked by 7 people

      2. Thank you so much Contemplative Grandma! Oh wow- looking forward to seeing this film. It seems to be a much needed film for our time period. Film has the power to touch lives for good or evil, and this is one that seems to be a must see for those who have lost hope, or for those who can see the Church and every single clergy member only in a negative light.

        Liked by 3 people

        1. You are welcome Thankful. Hubby and I are going to watch it together. I think we will pray first. I do think it will be a difficult viewing. I probably should have warned people that I have NOT seen it yet. Although Sam G is pretty clear in his admonition.

          Liked by 2 people

      4. I just watched Calvary. Yes it is powerful and deeply sad to watch especially on the day i learned that pope francis is up to his pointy hat in complicity in the McCarick scandal and probably others. He went to Ireland and did more harm than good. But, leaving the church means giving up the real presence of christ in the Eucharist and the solace of my spiritual mother Mary. This storm is a wrecking ball and my only hope is in the knowledge that God is in charge not the bishops.

        Liked by 3 people

  10. I am grateful for the light that this site continuously shines for us who are on this journey. May His light shine even brighter, bolder and stronger. Let all be drawn to Him and be illuminated by His light. Illuminate me O Lord as you have illuminated your word.

    Liked by 9 people

  12. This is so good. If I could write, this would have been the piece, as it resonates so well with my own mindset and experience with this storm (war) right now.
    This war has so many fronts … The womb, the Church (heterodoxy, abuse, confusion), all the many cultural fronts, the family, on and on and on. It’s easy to lose hope and wonder if we have the people of good will to fight on all these fronts.
    My fervent belief is that we need to call on, and cooperate with, the ministry of the Holy Angels like never before. Imagine how many and how powerful they are, and they want to assist us. God has used them since the beginning. He almost never acts in the Old Testament or new without acting through the angels. Even our Lord had angels minister to Him.
    We need this army of Holy Angels (and the Saints of course, who intercede for us in prayer) now more than ever. Start with your guardian angel, and devote yourself fervently to loving and being enlightened by all the Holy Angels. We will then be more fully able to fight, with their assistance, on all fronts.
    God Bless

    Liked by 20 people

    1. You can invite your guardian angel and the guardian angels of your family and friends and their families living and dead, President Trump and his family’s guardian angels, anyone else’s guardian angel you are inspired to invite, to attend the Mass that you’re attending, … and to pray for everyone’s peace, healing, forgiveness, strength, consolation, conversion, and salvation.

      Liked by 21 people

        1. I ask my guardian angel to present Our Father with something pleasing that I have done during the weeks I receive his Son in the most blessed sacrament.

          Liked by 11 people

        2. I always heard that our Guardian Angel is the one inviting us to Holy Mass.

          Our Guardian Angel looks forward to attending Holy Mass with us. This is the time our Guardian Angels get to be in the Real presence of Eucharistic Jesus, and they love this time. It is the time when angels and humans in exile get to be in the Real Presence of Jesus. And it is the time when our Guardian Angels get to enjoy confraternity with other Guardian Angels who are on their earthly mission with each of our souls. Or so I read some time ago. So awesome.

          The idea of inviting as many angels as possible sounds awesome. Our Churches are packed with Heavenly Angels during Holy Mass, The more the merrier. Praised be Jesus and Mary.

          Liked by 7 people

  14. Well, fall is on its way and that means pie making season. I think I will bake 10 Apple pies and call them “Pius X” 😎

    Serioisly though, I hope the light shed on the scandals leads to real change in the right direction. Our priest was angry and hurt for what this does to the priesthood and brother priests. I hope and trust this anger is appropriately channeled to clean house. God’s Blessings to all here!

    Liked by 18 people

  15. MAGA T-Shirt Update:

    This time, I attended my home parish’s festival wearing my MAGA T-shirt. Didn’t run into the pastor or any priests (the pastor does NOT like the T-shirt, as I posted previously, based on the reaction I saw). At this festival, most people were neutral about the shirt, accepting it as they would any other T-shirt. Some of course seemed to dislike it. That said, more people expressed support than dislike. Some smiled, some gave the thumbs-up sign, one lady applauded me.

    And then there was the policeman. As I was passing by the Margaritaville Stand, a cop came up to me, stopped me, and asked, “Excuse me. What does that mean, on your shirt? MAGA?”

    “Make America Great Again.”

    The cop smiled. “I like it.”

    Liked by 16 people

    1. Hi there Phoenix. Love the convo’s you are initiating with the MAGA t-shirt. I also like the idea of a MAHA t-shirt (Make America Holy Again), Fr. Heilman’s battle cry. Wouldn’t THAT be a conversation starter. 😇

      Liked by 10 people

  16. I think its was Pope Benedict (Cardinal at the time) that expressed his misgivings about “Bishop’s Conferences” by making the observance that the only scriptural reference to Bishops making a decision as a group was when they “fled”. Noting that – I believe – the Bishops as a group should shut up. Let each Bishop mind his own Diocese.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I get being angry, Marie, about the horror of what Cardinal DiNardo, current President of the USCCB, has named: this “grievous moral failure” in the Church. He pointedly called the failures of the bishops: “a moral catastrophe.” That truth acknowledged cannot lead to a generalization that ALL the bishops and priests are guilty. We must proceed with great care to root out the rot while preserving what is good and valuable. The guilty clerics must be held to account while the innocent clerics are upheld and supported in their tireless ministry to souls. And as we work to continue unmasking all deception, we must not become so jaded as to condemn all ecclesiastical collaboration. In fact, the very problems we are now left to address are embedded in the reality that each bishop has been and is currently minding his own diocese. The “grievous moral failure,” in part, came to be because bishops didn’t speak up to correct brother bishops. Purified and restored to its best, ecclesial collegiality is a fine and wonderful work.

      God is looking at our hearts, too, as we think, speak and act in response to this crisis. In the words of Tom Nash over at the Catholic Thing: Beware of Adding Scandal to Scandal. Here’s his piece on this topic, posted today. Prayers for Pope Francis continue as he, and he alone, has the authority to discipline the bishops.

      Liked by 11 people

      1. Beckita please note and speak to the testimonial published today by the papal nuncio. He states that the pope was aware of McCarrick’s depravity – as was pope Benedict – but chose to ignore it and even allow McCarrick to advise him on appointments. I value you thoughts – as well as Charlie and Steve. I can only hope the Holy Spirit is driving these revelations. Thanks cj

        Liked by 3 people

        1. CJ, we’ve been dialoguing from the point of this comment: https://asignofhope442992340.wordpress.com/2018/08/24/let-there-be-light/#comment-10994 Please do read the thread and I’ll try not to repeat so much. I do believe Archbishop Vigano is a credible source with a great deal of knowledge about how the Church works in America and about the inner workings of the Holy See. Now, how this will all play out remains to be seen. Already last night, a few hours after the news first came out, Cardinal Wuerl got to the press to send out his defense, denying that he was informed of Vatican restrictions on McCarrick. This development is another dimension of the worldwide civil war to which Charlie has spoken so it’s a good idea to get to original sources. To that end, at NC Register, from where the news broke, you can also find the full text of Archbishop Vigano’s testimony.

          Liked by 3 people

  17. Amen Charlie. I have been blessed during these dark times with the “light” of the COSJ–Contempletives of Saint Joseph in So. San Francisco……TLM Masses and homilies that sit you up straight 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

  18. Great great piece, Charlie!

    I’ve been listening a lot to Fr. Chad Ripperger’s 4 part, “Our times, 2018” and i keep getting from his talk, exactly what you are saying…If you want God alone, then you will be just fine! When someone asked him if he was afraid, he said, “No. If God allows it, it is for my purification.” or something like that…not verbatim. lol It is also helpful to listen to his talks so that we all understand this last 100 years that have been under the satan rule, how all the commies, free masons and feminists entered our world and caused havoc to such a degree that there is literally hell on earth.

    I can’t wait to go to confession again tonight, and begin again. I thank God for all our good priests, and there are so many good ones. I feel sorry for all of them as they will be so persecuted. Charlie, no wonder when our Blessed Mother appears to you or others, she is unconsolable. I feel so close to her lately. I feel especially close to her at Adoration of her son, Our Lord.

    Charlie, all this new awareness of times, has initially come to me personally by your “yes” to Our Lord. Again, I thank you and look forward (if I make it) to pall around with you someday in a TNRS abode in heaven!

    Thank you so much for teaching us how to behave in these times!

    You are for me and forever a great sign of hope.

    God bless us all here and as crew dog says, “God save us all!!!”

    xoxo TNRS

    Liked by 19 people

  19. Dear Charlie,
    Thank you for your latest article post Friday 08/24/18. With everything ramping up lately especially in the Church, reading your article was like hearing from an old friend.

    On a separate note, you had mentioned in the 2nd paragraph, during the priest’s homily he mentioned of a society,something like the St Peter Society. This is just my opinion, although he may have been referring to the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter ,https://fssp.com/The Fraternity of St Peter only comes into a dioceses upon the invitation of the local bishop ordinary.

    I belong to a parish in NH that is in the care of the Fraternity of St Peter, and our priests are just as upset as we the laity are about the scandals that continue to rock Universal church, especially in the United States.

    Another priest who has a great blog is FR Z http://wdtprs.com/blog/ that keeps you updated on what events are taking place.

    Thank you Charlie and thanks for the reminder. Acknowledge God-Take the Next Right Step- Be a Sign of Hope to Those Around You.
    God Bless you day.
    Charlene

    Liked by 10 people

    1. Thanks for the links, Charlene. Articles with links to Fr. Z’s blog are being shared by those in our ASOH family in comments from previous posts here. Have you been able to listen to the sermon given by Fr. Altier which Fr. Z posted at his site? God bless us, one and all.

      Liked by 7 people

      3. Wow! Just listened to Fr. Altier’s brave and informative homily. I pray for him and ALL of our ordained in the Church – they all need it. Thanks for pointing that out for us to hear.

        Liked by 2 people

    3. Charlene–we have a friend who will be going to the seminary of the Fraternity of St. Peter in a couple weeks. He is wonderful, holy and on fire for Christ.

      Liked by 4 people

    4. Yes, Charlene, I immediately thought of the FSSP also, who are good and faithful. You are so lucky to have them in your parish. Would that we had. That poor Priest that Charlie describes seems so confused in so many ways, I’m not surprised he’d get mixed up between them and the SSPX

      But then, to him, there’s probably little, if any, difference anyway. Ignorance is bliss for a lot of those types, and willful ignorance even more so. They really have no desire to broaden their extremely limited horizons, but every desire to bully and bludgeon people into accepting their skewed worldview.

      I think the disease is called “liberalism” ;-/

      Liked by 2 people

  20. Trusting in God alone as we have little hope from our own efforts alone both in our society and in our church. While we pray for the light to shine we must also pray for the grace to trust in God when we see the darkness both outside and inside ourselves. I was thinking too that with the increasing disorder in our society that Charlie should have his boots handy. Perhaps he will walk through St. Louis on his way to Washington. May God cleanse and purify us all!!

    Liked by 9 people

    1. I can tell you, Bob, that since the Lord asked Charlie to be ready to walk, he has faithfully packed those boots, and his backpack, wherever he goes in his travels to work.

      Liked by 9 people

        1. Thankful, Charlie has been ready for the Jericho March since the day the Lord asked him to get ready for one. Here’s the thing, though, that I’ve noticed about Charlie’s faithfulness to God. Charlie acts when he’s asked to prepare for something. BUT it is the Lord upon Whom Charlie waits before he sets forth to do whatever it is for which he’s prepared. The lesson for us all is that just being ready is an act of obedience which pleases God. For me, this often begins with a “desire” to do something for the Lord which I discern the Holy Spirit has placed on my heart. But I can’t go anywhere with it until the Lord opens the door(s). Sometimes He decidedly does. Other times, nothing budges. As Father has told me the very “desire” is a potent prayer. We can be sure that if and when God sends Charlie forth, he will tell us.

          Liked by 10 people

          1. Thank you, Beckita. I love that. All of this is very comforting. Love that holy desires are a profound prayer. God is so good to place these holy desires within and then if we wait on Him, He will fulfill them. Maybe this time period will yield greater saints that in an easier time period. Perhaps there will be young men who haven’t realized their vocation, but now as they watch their Church be sifted and accused, they will rise to protect and defend her and embrace whatever struggle and persecution that may be ahead.

            Liked by 6 people

  22. Your Light-bearers, all, we pray O Lord. Have mercy on us.
    By thy Precious Blood, Lord Jesus, purify and sanctify all thy priests, bishops and popes, living and deceased.
    August Queen of Heaven and Sovereign Mistress of the Angels, send forth these Holy Legions to engage and defeat all evil and demons and send them all to the abyss of woe. We love you, Mother, and trust in your merciful care. Holy Angels and Archangels protect and defend us. Pray for us, Holy Mother and Heavenly Hosts, that we walk in the Light of Christ. Amen.

    Thanks Charlie and all commenters, this has been a most helpful and HOPEFUL post.

    Liked by 11 people

    1. And, I want to add, that, yes, the revealing of the hellish evil will go much deeper in the Church and the secular society. Cover yourself with the Blood of Jesus and be a sign of hope for the sake of souls. We, the Church and humanity, are being purified. We have the spiritual weapons to combat this.

      Liked by 14 people

        1. Hi Snowy, How are you?  Sent you a private email recently and it bounced back.  Lambzie and I are still praying for you.  Drop us an email if you get a chance. God bless you! Doug 

          Liked by 4 people

          1. Doug, I’m doing okay! Thanks and God bless you too! Still praying for you and Lambzie and family! .. I didn’t copy any of the email addresses when I deleted gmail and don’t remember it exactly..mine is this same name as here @protonmail.com

            Liked by 1 person

      2. Yes, we do have the spiritual weapons to combat this. Last Sunday, the younger priest at my parish gave a beautiful homily about the Bread of Life and he touched on the scandals toward the end of the homily. My church is in the Buffalo, NY Diocese which continues to be rocked by scandals. His homily was a refreshing reminder of why we are Catholic and why we do not give up on the Church. Pray for all of the good and faithful shepherds that we have, pray for all of the families touched by these scandals and pray for the souls of those who perpetuated these evils. Spend time with Him in the Blessed Sacrament praying for our broken world. For those interested, here is Fr. Tom’s homily: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0YabJOrzfg&feature=youtu.be

        Liked by 9 people

        2. For their part, the priests in Rapid City have not shied away from the sex abuse topic. Be it a local priest caught stealing from a parish recently to these national scandals, our shepherds here publicly tackle the tough topics up front and unabashedly.

          My aunt just had a Mass said for my dad at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in West Seneca. I’m afraid to ask….what are the scandals in Buffalo? (I’m from Eden and received an altar boy award from the bishop in 1981….I was THAT good! 😇)

          Frankly, CM, I’d rather talk about beef-on-weck and hot wings dipped in blue cheese.

          Liked by 4 people

          1. Patrick, we have had 79 priests from the last 4 decades accused of sexually abusing children and young adults. The latest accusation just came last week. According to the reports, many of these priests were known predators who were shuffled from parish to parish. If the latest letter obtained from the Diocese by the news outlets is true, with the last one, the priest gave a veiled threat against moving him because his parish brought in the second highest contributions to a donation campaign called Upon This Rock. He wasn’t moved from the parish. People are now calling for the Bishop to resign and it is getting ugly. Some priests talk about the scandals in their homilies and some do not. We have been blessed with three good priests at the parish who are not afraid to address it from the pulpit.

            With all this in mind, the number of holy and faith-filled priests far outweigh those who do wrong. These wonderful priests are hurting and need our prayers. I belong to St. Gregory the Great in Williamsville. Tomorrow night, on the feast of St. Monica, four women’s ministries at the parish (Ministry of Mothers Sharing, Ladies of Our Lord, Women’s Enrichment & Ladies of Charity) have invited all to come to the church at 7 pm to pray as we weather the storm. As they said at Mass, “Pray: Stay Catholic Strong!”

            The only things that might be better than beef-on-weck and Buffalo chicken wings would be chocolate covered sponge candy and the butter lambs that you get at the Broadway Market at Easter time. Of course, my sweet tooth might make me a tad biased!

            Liked by 5 people

  24. Our primary and real guide, if we have thoroughly studied the authentic teaching of the Church, especially before Vatican II and its many distortions and misinterpretations, is our faith and commitment to Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Anything or anyone else only after careful discernment. All the problems and evil shown by the clergy and hierarchy should never shake our faith as it is not based on them. If they fail to help us, it is regrettable but never an excuse to doubt the Church or Christ’s promise that the gates of Hell would not prevail against it. We are called to stand fast, have faith, discern that next right step and the will of God for us as we strive to be a source of hope to those God has entrusted to our care. May God bless and keep us all and the Holy Spirit guide us, bring us to all holiness and truth.

    Liked by 12 people

  25. Pope Benedict XVI hit the nail on the head when he said (Vatican City, Apr 20, 2011, General Audience):
    “It’s our very sleepiness to the presence of God that renders us insensitive to evil: we don’t hear God because we don’t want to be disturbed, and so we remain indifferent to evil… those of us who do not want to see the full force of evil and do not want to enter into his Passion.”

    Furthermore, when as a priest (the future Pope Benedict XVI) giving a talk titled, “What will the Church look like in 2000,” said:
    “And so it seems certain to me that the Church is facing very hard times. The real crisis has scarcely begun. We will have to count on terrific upheavals. But I am equally certain about what will remain at the end: not the Church of the political cult, which is dead already, but the Church of faith. It may well no longer be the dominant social power to the extent that she was until recently; but it will enjoy a fresh blossoming and be seen as man’s home, where he will find life and hope beyond death.”

    How prophetic!

    Liked by 11 people

    1. Truly prophetic, Randal. And another future pope, then Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, two years before he was elected Pope John Paul II, in an address given during the 1976 Eucharistic Congress in Philadelphia for the bicentennial celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, spoke some words which were also prophetic:

      “We are now standing in the face of the greatest historical confrontation humanity has gone through. I do not think that wide circles of American society or wide circles of the Christian community realize this fully. We are now facing the final confrontation between the Church and the anti-Church, of the Gospel versus the anti-Gospel. We must be prepared to undergo great trials in the not-too-distant future; trials that will require us to be ready to give up even our lives, and a total gift of self to Christ and for Christ. Through your prayers and mine, it is possible to alleviate this tribulation, but it is no longer possible to avert it. . . .How many times has the renewal of the Church been brought about in blood! It will not be different this time.”

      Liked by 10 people

      1. Beckita;
        Would you say Cardinal Wojtyla’s words were ‘prophetic’ in the way we usually think of the term OR do you suppose (as I do) that he was seeing what was going on and extrapolated out 20, 30, 40 years? As we all know now, and have known for some time, the bad actors in The Church didn’t just spring up recently. They were fully active when he made this address and he had to have some knowledge of what was happening.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. The actual definition of prophecy is to speak in the place of God. The way we usually think about it, fortune-telling, is just plain banal. So I would say the words of St. John Paul when he spoke this as Cardinal Wojtyla was fully and truly prophetic, but not in the banal we usually think of it.

          Liked by 3 people

      2. I’ve come across his quote many times in the past couple decades, but it always seemed improbable, until this year, (I know, I’ve taken off my rose colored glasses). Now it’s very sobering and resonates that it may very well come to fruition soon. If we haven’t yet, time to, ‘Put on the full armor of God so that we may stand against the enemy.’

        Liked by 6 people

  26. haha.. yes, I agree about the bigger boat too… so nice to have a “rain day” today…making homemade marinara sauce (authentically Italian from my beautiful Aunt Angel – God rest her soul) and thinking about how this 100 year reign has hurt so many of God’s children…. Human secularism, materialism, communism, hedonism, (what does hedonism even mean?) all the ism’s and then the culture of death, the culture of contraception.. Dear God…it blows one’s mind to see how blinded we ALL have been unless you had good solid and moral direction from birth… and yet… God can draw much good out of evil. Jesus I trust in you! Bigger boat indeed!!!!

    Liked by 11 people

    1. Hi Linda. We have to remember that for a good many of those 100 years the public did not have internet and the connect to information and news like we have the past couple of decades.

      Liked by 6 people

  27. Heavenly Father, in this critical time in salvation history, as Mary once again brings Jesus and the Holy Spirit to a lost world, would that the entire mystical body of Christ rise up and join together in holy battle.

    In the Name of Jesus, we ask all the angels and saints of Heaven and all the holy souls in Purgatory to join us as we pray the Rosary in the power of the Holy Spirit. In this holy unity, we beg and plead in intercession for the fulfillment of all the requests and intentions of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, our Mother. She who knows perfectly the Will of God intercedes for each of us, her little children.

    Liked by 12 people

    1. Yes, Kim! This is the same homily I posted in a comment under the last piece. It had made its way to Fr. Z’s blog last week and the information reflects the theme that runs through the Marian locutions to Fr. Stefano Gobbi. She said we are engaged in a fierce battle with Freemasonry and Our Lady further said there is ecclesiastical masonry with which we must contend. Thanks for bringing this homily to our attention, again, with Charlie’s post from last night!

      Liked by 9 people

      1. Thanks, Beckita– wow– I don’t know how I missed it when you posted it. I was trying to read everything. It is amazing to think of the organized and pointed attacks on our Church, and so wonderful to know Our Lady is helping and protecting us!

        Liked by 7 people

      2. So glad you brought this up. That Marian Movement of Priests book is amazing, comforting, strengthening, and a truth bomb full of Mary’s love.

        Liked by 5 people

  29. I have been working on a letter to my bishop for over a week now. When I first thought it was finished, I saved it on my computer. For reasons that have only now become clear, I did not mail it right away. I mentioned to a friend that I was sending a letter. He reminded me of some of the good and holy things my bishop has said to the faithful and to our local media which support the Church and Catholic orthodox belief. I went back to my letter and revised it. I thanked the bishop for the good things he has done and stated that I pray for him in support of his ministry (something I had completely neglected to say in the first draft).
    When God brought me back to the Catholic Church, it was by convicting me of the absolute truth of the transubstantiation of bread and wine to the Body and Blood of Jesus. The Eucharist is the joyful bond that ties me to the Catholic Church. It is with humility and awe that I have come to understand that Jesus invites me, unworthy as I am, to share in his death and resurrection at his eternal banquet. Like the apostles, when Jesus asked them if they also wanted to leave, I look at the Church with all her faults and failures and say, “To whom Lord would I go? Where else can I find life?”
    Even though the events of the past weeks have evoked feelings of disgust and anger I cannot abandon the Church. I cannot do anything to cause Her further injury and pain. I must come to Her defense and seek to bind Her wounds. This may not always be pleasant or painless. There are a few priests I may have to have approach for some frank discussion and the bishop is still going to get my letter. Depending on the response of the bishops as a whole, I may radically alter my patterns of donations. Just as we sometimes have to rip off the bandage, even though it will hurt, and have to swallow the medicine that is bitter and foul tasting, there are things that need to be said and work to be done. But as a parent deals with a sick child this must be done from love and hope for the future, not from anger and resentment over the past.
    In this calamity, as on of the bishops so correctly labeled it, God has also been convicting me of my own part. I cannot demand that the priests and bishops be held to standards of absolute holiness if I am not willing to strive for the same in my own life. My own failures to deal with persistent sin in my life, to strive for greater holiness, to pray more, fast, received the sacraments more, to love my wife, children and grandchildren more faithfully, all contribute to the overall weakness of the Church. We need to be witnesses to our priests and bishops just as we want them to be witnesses for us. I have failed utterly in some of these areas and I now beg the Lord for forgiveness and the grace to grow and begin anew.
    A particular thing has been on my mind lately. I came of age in the middle of the changes instituted by Vatican II. (Those traditionalists among us, don’t judge me here.) I love the new order of the Mass. I am quite at home with most of the changes that came about after the council. It has irritated me greatly in recent years to see young priests and deacons taking a more conservative bent. At the parish near our vacation home a young priest became pastor several years ago. He immediately started using incense at every Mass. Then he began chanting more and more of the liturgy, even those parts where the congregation responds. Candles appeared in abundance. The tabernacle moved from the side of the alter to the center. I have been irritated by all this on a regular basis.
    In reading about the present crisis, I now realize that many good and holy seminarians have continued to be subject to harrowing conditions during their formation. God has shown me that part of this conservatism is based on the need and desire of holy young priests to defend and cling to all that is good and true about the Church. Even in this they often face severe opposition from their superiors and confreres.
    Father pastor, (who is young enough to be one of my sons) will be receiving my personal apology and a vote of support from me when I next see him.

    May the Holy Spirit give us light in these dark days.

    As always, thank you Charlie, for words that challenge our minds, hearts and souls to seek greater holiness.

    JT

    Liked by 13 people

    1. God bless you, JT. You know, my favorite Mass is one said ad orientum in the vernacular using communion rails. As I have said many times, I am not actually a traditionalist, but I love the deep, vibrant faith of the many traditionalists I know who do not condemn others for preferring a different style of Mass. As angry as I get at those who do, how could I get less angry at those modernists (who actually hold power right now) who forbid traditionalists from celebrating the Mass that speaks most intimately to them?

      Put another way, I love chicken-fried steak and don’t like sushi at all…but why in heaven’s name would that lead me to condemn someone who loves sushi but does not like chicken-fried steak? The point of both natural food and of the Bread of Heaven is that we be nourished. I say Beethoven, you say Mozart (or even Bruce Springsteen)…and I say God bless us, every one. How I love to see anyone who takes joy in worship!

      Liked by 19 people

    3. Hi JT,  it was so good to see you last week!  I echo your thoughts!  You always articulate very well! I have also learned over time that when I write an emotionally charged letter, it is good to sit on it a few days and then revisit it.  My Dad (not relgious) has given me wise counsel on this.  I just spent 4 hours with him on Sunday in Canterbury working on a project installing a backup camera he bought for my travel trailer.  He is borrowing the trailer to get away with a friend of his and my brother.  I wish I could go, but Lambzie and I are going to CA to see the grand kids.  He is 82 and bought the camera as compensation to use the trailer.  The camera does not mean much to me, but I cherish the priceless time I spent with him as, at his age, time is running short.  I actually get to talk about my faith with him and he tells me he is not threatened.  I trust God is working on him.  I love my Dad. Anyway, you are a great man JT. Blessings! Doug

      Liked by 4 people

  30. Excellent article! Some good humor and expressions. Needed those. The early years of my Catholic childhood were amazing, and probably what is partially sustaining me now. The sense of love, care, and guidance from my guardian angel, is so bright with an almost 3D aspect. Charlie, After your last blog, I researched more hierarchical doings, much worse info, from an exceptional website. Cutting short the information quest realizing what this person was writing and what he was alluding to, I could not go further. Then reading the headline this past week on Spirit Daily’s August 23rd on Pope Benedict’s prophecy, just qualified it. We have gotten into a big pickle, and no matter whose fault it is, it will take every faithful Catholic to get out of this, with the Blessed Mother’s protection and our Lord’s Blessing. However, seems we will not be recovering anytime soon. We are in for a long fight. So becoming a beacon of light, as Charlie tells us, for this will require much prayer and self examination. Pray before you ‘leap’. Be very careful! Be very patient. The next three months will be rather exasperating, Even terrifying for we have not contemplated the next possibilities. This blog, I mentioned above, the writer said that most people have not prepared their minds or psyche for what is anticipated. Let’s deeply pray we do not have to come to that. I’ve stopped reading, and needed these words from Charlie to lift me out of my funk and get back on the horse. I once heard a priest say, “as the Church goes…so goes the world”. HMMMM, might be.

    Liked by 10 people

    1. Love this, robill: “We have gotten into a big pickle, and no matter whose fault it is, it will take every faithful Catholic to get out of this, with the Blessed Mother’s protection and our Lord’s Blessing.” Amen.

      Liked by 9 people

    2. Latest medjugorje message… fits quite nicely with your thoughts.

      Latest Medjugorje Message, August 25, 2018
      https://www.medjugorje.ws
      “Dear children! This is a time of grace. Little children, pray more, speak less and permit God to lead you on the way of conversion. I am with you and love you with my motherly love. Thank you for having responded to my call. ”

      Liked by 8 people

  31. Charlie, I LOVE Let there be Light! Amen! Amen! Amen!
    I do not feel any anger or despair with all that happening, I feel only sorrow for all the unimaginable damage done… for those who were betrayed and for those who fell.
    But I am filled with real hope because the Light has shined into the darkness and is revealing all! as you have said so many times!
    May God’s will be done! The world now has the chance to be healed because the Church will be purified! The one depends upon the other! God’s Mercy has no ends! He LOVES us all and we can never forget what He has done for us or will do now!
    PS.. I cracked up 😂 when you said you liked chicken fried steak- I am actually making this for dinner tonight! YUM! Wish I could send you some ❣

    Liked by 12 people

  32. “But, glory!” Thanks Charlie. In the handful of times the Lord has broken through to me it’s been with with a word or several that just cut to the heart and are exactly what I need. Most recently, after being similarly annoyed at a terrible homily and irreverent Eucharistic celebration where words were changed, etc, while praying after holy communion Jesus gave me the gift of gazing on his most glorious face, if only for a moment, and I heard in my heart, “Just keep your eyes on me.” It was all I needed. I still can’t even think of that time without my eyes tearing up…and I’m not a cryer! Through this particular stage in the storm I’ve found myself just rejoicing as well…a joy that is certainly linked to the light being shed, and truth becoming more apparent. We have much to rejoice about! In my daily prayers, all 🙂

    Liked by 18 people

    3. Oh wow, love this, Mommacarmella! So beautiful! May Jesus shine more and more in this particular priest and may he grow to be one of Jesus’ greatest witnesses.

      Liked by 7 people

  33. Love it, Charlie! I keep telling my husband that the Lord is exposing it all and shining His light on the evil. Even though my husband became a Catholic before we married decades ago, he still doesn’t understand all that a life-long Catholic understands. It makes me sad that he has to see all of this.

    At the same time, even in the midst of the chaos and exposure, I feel such a deep peace. I’m sure that it’s because of Mother Mary, not only being consecrated to her, but having learned things that she has revealed to us for over a century to encourage and prepare us for this time. Praise God!!

    Liked by 10 people

  34. Wow Charlie! Just such a great post…top to bottom and all in between. Like an Oreo cookie. It got me so fired up (in a good way), that I started typing away at comments and had to stop and go for a walk 😂😂😂. I was commenting myself to death.
    Anyway, Amen to your praise of Bishop Morlino. I would also mention Bishop Persico of Erie, who also wrote a beautiful and moving letter to survivors.

    http://m.ncregister.com/blog/pjsmith/erie-bishop-models-what-a-real-apology-to-victims-looks-like#.W4HGhEEpDYU

    Lastly, you articulated what, for me, has been my greatest fear in all of this when you stated, “Do NOT let your zeal for reform cause you to become an unwitting ally of the satan’s plan.”. We are at such a dangerous tipping point. Many are angry and rightly so. But I am seeing a lot of anger that is self-righteous…such a dangerous thing. And when anger becomes rage the enemy has breached the walls. Prayer, humility, conversion of heart are all so very important at this moment.
    On a bit of a side note. The Priest-Director of Anne-A Lay Apostle, this morning published a new writing of hers that is a meditation on how to proceed in these times based on the contemplation of Our Lady’s life. It includes a wonderfully unique (and completely orthodox)way of looking at the role of women in the Church for these times. I found it empowering in a holy way as I believe that word is one that we need to reclaim from much misuse.
    https://www.directionforourtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/In-the-Gaze-of-His-Mother.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=A%20New%20Important%20Writing%20from%20Anne&utm_content=A%20New%20Important%20Writing%20from%20Anne+CID_910b6f9da25653b7a437cdce0510b465&utm_source=email%20marketing&utm_term=Click%20here%20for%20Full%20Text
    Enough for now. I add my thanks again to you Charlie, along with all our friends here. God is Good!

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Thank you, Contemplative. Comment away! 🙂 Love your comments full of humor and all the ones that seem to hit every emotion. Love the truth in what you say.

      Liked by 5 people

  35. Matthew 7: 29

    28When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, 29because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

    I have been on vacation at the beach for the past week. One more to go. I have been pondering the state of affairs in the world and in the church. It seems to me we are reaching a point of no return in both areas of life.

    I am reminded of Lincoln’s House Divided speech in 1858. When divisions run deep the solution is as Lincoln foresaw: The House will not remain divided. It will become all one thing or the other. Lincoln thought the United States would become all anti-slavery. He believed the power of persuasion would bring the South around without war. He was wrong of course. In his Second Inaugural Address just weeks before his assassination he remarked on the causes of the civll war.

    “On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it, all sought to avert it. While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war—seeking to dissolve the Union and divide effects by negotiation. Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish, and the war came.”

    And the war came.

    None can know how these divisions in our country and in our Church are going to be resolved. I just know that one side would make war rather than let the nation and the church survive and the other would accept war rather then let them perish.

    Jesus spoke with authority. Not like the usual strain of clerics. He brought his own halakha or way of living righteously. As today, there were various strains or schools of thought on just what constituted the right path or Way to live righteously. Jesus rocked the boat. He had issues with the Pharisees, Sadducees and the Essenes and their view of the correct Way. Jesus said I am the Way the Truth and the Life.

    John 14. The Last Supper Discourse

    “Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?”

    Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth* and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

    The Way is Jesus. The way through this is the person of Jesus. Jesus spoke with authority.

    What we need now are bishops and priests and shepherds who speak with authority. Fearlessly.

    I’m thinking God is going to appoint a whole new wave of shepherds who speak with authority.

    Liked by 11 people

    1. This is sick.  There is no such thing as a gay person.  To say this gives credence to an inmate identity and this is not an identity.  It is really a person that struggles with temptation or a weakness.  When we all start to realize our true identity as a child of God, then these types of attractions can be over come.  We are all called to live chaste, Holy lives, but we cannot do this on our own.  The Holy Spirit is real and desires to help us and heal us in miraculous ways.  Theses issues can be overcome such that true joy and love are experienced.

      Liked by 8 people

        1. Thanks for that info, Beckita. I was well aware that there was such an “undercurrent” in the WMOF event here but what Mr. Sciambra has revealed is truly sobering – I honestly hadn’t realised the rot was so blatant. As CJ says, it needs LIGHT shone on it a.s.a.p., because Light cleanses and purifies – and the darkness comprehendeth it not!

          That said, I only attended one event, the final Mass, as a member of the choir, and I can testify that despite the bad weather it was a joyous occasion, with a deeply reverent Mass celebrated by the Holy Father.

          Liked by 2 people

          1. Ooops, meant to say: as he entered the enclosure (well, I say “enclosure” but the Phoenix Park is huge and the enclosure was similarly so, and very crowded despite the misleading commentary you may have seen) we sang “Tu es Petrus”. As it goes: “et super hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam meam”.

            As we all know, the gates of hell will not prevail against that Rock. And the Rock, right back to the beginning, may not be perfect but… those gates won’t prevail. And he is Peter.

            Liked by 2 people

          2. Mr. Sciambra has tirelessly worked, jaykay, to reveal how the homosexual activists are at work within the Church and to encourage us all to respond in ways that prevent the advance of the activists’ agenda.

            Liked by 2 people

            1. Indeed, Beckita. I’ve read his words, and those of Michael Rose in “Goodbye, good men”. All too believeable. Our national seminary (there used to be one in every Diocese but so has the rot spread) is still, apparently, a hotbed of disordered behaviour, from what one reads, with use of “gay” “dating” apps, and all that. They’re trying to replicate themselves. I couldn’t believe that any young man who would want to be a Priest these days – and there are very few of them – could have that disorder, and apparently be confirmed in it by the “authorities”, by their sheer lack of action. God save us, or God save the good young men who still go forward and are not subject to that perversion. Because it seems that they will be sorely tested.

              I HATE what I’m hearing about all these things, and the utter lack of action, as it seems, from our Shepherds to clean out the augean stable. I dearly wish to believe that it isn’t true, but there’s so much smoke that one can’t believe there isn’t a raging fire there.

              Liked by 4 people

              1. It’s a time of heartache, J, yet I still have this joy in knowing that Christ’s Light shining on the rot is our opportunity to set things right with the Lord. May Holy Spirit whose power raised Jesus from the dead, rouse His Power mightily in these days.

                Liked by 1 person

                1. Yep! We trust, and we know it’ll all work out. It’s a hell of a difficult time and yet, we all of us were born for it, in Divine Providence, and we have to go with what we have, plant that seed, and trust it’ll grow. Just trust.

                  I’d love to have been born about 40 years before I was, to have seen, as an adult, what a very Catholic society, as we then had, was really like in its heyday. It was still there, although becoming weaker, when I was young and up to a teenager. And I took it for granted – until it disappeared.

                  But I, and all of us, have been born at a certain time to fulfil our appointed role, and we have to go with it, with no fruitless looking back.

                  It didn’t help Mrs. Lot, after all.

                  Liked by 3 people

                  1. Hear, Hear! You put into words exactly what I have been thinking. Thank you for the comment about Lot’s wife because I wish I had been born years before I was. God has more faith in me than I do of myself.

                    Liked by 2 people

                  3. Jaykay, I’m an old movie buff, and it delights me to watch movies in which our Church is depicted and treated with reverence– depictions that show what it was like “back in the day”! For example, “I Confess” and “The Green Years”.

                    Liked by 3 people

                    1. Kim, “I Confess” is an incredible movie. Some years ago I read (I wish I could remember where) that there was an actual case in, I think Canada (maybe it was France, or maybe even the US), in which a priest went to prison for a murder he hadn’t committed because he wouldn’t violate the seal of the confessional. If I recall correctly, he spent over a decade in prison before he was freed because the real killer (or somebody related to the killer somehow) ‘fessed up. Has anybody else here ever heard anything about this case?

                      Liked by 1 person

                    2. Mick– I haven’t heard about that, but I’m going to try to research it. You’d like “The Green Years” too. It’s the story of a Catholic orphan sent to live with protestant relatives. He clings to his Catholic faith in spite of that. The scene where he make his First Communion is sooooo beautiful! Talk about a lump in your throat! I’m so sappy!

                      Liked by 1 person

                    3. Thanks, Kim. I’d never heard of “The Green Years,” but I’m certainly going to try to find it. Guaranteed that I’m going to cry like a baby (I’m sappy, too… Hallmark movies are my fave, and I sometimes even cry at those).

                      Liked by 1 person

                    4. Yes, there’s one movie, made in the 40s, probably wartime, where on Christmas Eve the leading lady attends the Midnight High Mass, and it shows quite a bit of it. Packed church, of course, properly dressed people, and reverence just exuding from the screen! Pretty much what I remember from my early childhood, in fact. Can’t remember the title, though🤔

                      Liked by 1 person

  37. As part of the clergy I appreciate good people telling me they support me and will pray for me, but I also cannot get out of my mind or heart those poor innocents that were abused. People assume they are out for revenge or money, I say let them have it. It is a poor recompense.

    We must continue to pray for them and do penance and sacrifice for them as many of the bishops are asking us to do. Healing, hope and salvation are all a part of the greater truth of love. God’s love can fix it all, if we all cooperate. Neither Peter, Judas or the scandal of the cross could deter Jesus because of his great love. I think if we pray for the victims, God will sort out the rest in due time.

    Liked by 18 people

    3. Thank you, Father and thank you for your witness and your compassion and love for the victims. Thank you, thank you , thank you.

      Liked by 4 people

    4. Yes, Father Peter, we must pray and sacrifice for them. I tell my Priests and Priest friends I pray for them and support them too. There is more with in that statement than only the literal meaning of the words. For me, yes, it means I support and pray for them. Those words also mean I support and pray for Holy Mother Church. I will not leave Her because of the abominations perpetrated and covered up by some within Her, even if they are supposed to represent Christ on Earth. I think something a victim of abuse suffers from is a lack of knowledge of how precious they are in the Eyes of God. Your compassion for them will contribute greatly to their healing. They may very well need to learn that the horrible feeling of worthlessness they may feel is a lie and does not come from God. The fact that you see them as precious children of our Father can help restore their true identity. It can lead to the fullest healing, that of forgiveness for those who have abused them. It can lead them to pray for their abusers to repent from the Heart. Imagine the comfort that would bring to the Heart of Jesus.i think this is one way God desires to work through you and all Priests and Bishops who love Him. When I pray for my Priest and all Priests, this is my prayer. So we are with you in sorrow and prayer, and we are with you in hope and trust. God bless and protect you.

      Liked by 4 people

    1. Wow. Pope Francis repealed sanctions that were already in place against McCarrick? Not good.

      Charlie, I’m afraid to ask, but could Trump be the president who doesn’t complete his term? I’m starting to really fear for him. Is there no one who can reign in this out- of- control investigation? I know God is in control, but I hate to see our country becoming a corrupt banana republic with the media fully complicit in her transformation.

      Liked by 6 people

      1. And a lot more, jayman, including that Pope Francis knew McCarrick was a predator since 2013 yet, provided cover for him to the “bitter end.” Further, Pope Francis made McCarrick a trusted advisor. And McCarrick interfered in the process of appointing bishops for this country in bypassing the input of the papal nuncio. Unheard of. Enter Cardinal Cupich appointed to Chicago, Bishop Robert McElroy to San Diego and Cardinal Tobin to Newark. Search Cardinal Tobin and his recent “Good Night Baby” tweet. It’s so very sad but worth reading to understand what is unfolding.

        Liked by 9 people

          1. It sure is, Kim. Praying for the souls of our priests, bishops, cardinals and pope. Praying, too, for all God-fearing clerics to emulate the brave heart of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò.

            Liked by 10 people

        2. Beckita, I’m terribly snowed under at the moment and haven’t had an opportunity to listen to the important homily that has been referred to a few times here which I’m very much looking forward to. Nor the above shocking news since it arrived in my inbox. A quick glimpse showed me what it was about however – could I ask please – how good or otherwise is the standing of Archbishop Vigano? I remember the kerfuffle when he was moved from his US post and some stated that the fact that he is a very wealthy man contributed to the attack against him.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. The National Catholic Register notes in the article that they did some checking with their own sources concerning some of the material in Archbishop Vigano’s testimony and, thus, published the piece. The Archbishop would be well situated, as our country’s former papal nuncio, to become aware of the troublesome inner workings. As a Vatican diplomat he would also be aware of the inner working at the Holy See. These charges are to be taken seriously.

            Liked by 6 people

        3. Reading this and the Breaking news of Pope Francis’ knowledge etc.
          http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/ex-nuncio-accuses-pope-francis-of-failing-to-act-on-mccarricks-abuse

          It reminds me of the Our Lady of Fatima prophesy.

          https://www.bluearmy.com/the-secret-of-fatima/

          The Pope shall suffer much-
          Bullets and arrows are fired at him- twitter and the news press
          Bishops, priests, other religious fall with him- homosexual clergy, etc

          “…two Angels each with a crystal aspersorium in their hand, in which they gathered up the blood of the martyrs and with it sprinkled the souls that were making their way to… ”

          – the faithful maintaining devotion to Jesus and one another by living the faith and carrying their cross.

          Liked by 9 people

          1. Reading Vigano’s testimony, in paragraph 13 he alludes to the work of St. Peter Damian in years (centuries) past. This is the same book I quoted before “the book of Gomorraha”

            “The following day, I delivered a new memo to the new Substitute, Fernando Filoni, which included my previous one of December 6, 2006. In it, I summarized Richard Sipe’s document, which ended with this respectful and heartfelt appeal to Pope Benedict XVI: “I approach Your Holiness with due reverence, but with the same intensity that motivated Peter Damian to lay out before your predecessor, Pope Leo IX, a description of the condition of the clergy during his time. The problems he spoke of are similar and as great now in the United States as they were then in Rome. If Your Holiness requests, I will personally submit to you documentation of that about which I have spoken.” (Vigano, PP13)

            Liked by 4 people

              1. For what it’s worth, I have not agreed with Bishop Gracida’s approach to resolve the differences which he and many have with Pope Francis. I think it highly likely that throughout the history of papal conclaves, members of the hierarchy have spoken pre-conclave about potential candidates for pope, as well as, issues in the Roman Curia and in the Church at large. Most likely those discussion were rooted in prayer, seeking guidance from God in selecting the best man suited to be the pope for a particular era.

                Liked by 1 person

        1. Retreating to my prayer war room, weeping for our beloved holy mother church, begging your dear Lord for help, He showed me Jeremiah 23. “Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture, says the Lord…You have not cared for them but, I will take care to punish your evil deeds.”
          Well worth the read. Filled with hope.
          God has got this. We are called to pray for these evil people, because God will handle this. Pray, pray, pray!
          Lord, have mercy on us all.

          Liked by 8 people

    3. I read this article, and found it so disheartening. It seems there is a point here that is missing. McCarrick’s deeds were demonic and about as degenerate as could possibly be…but this is only a ‘degree’. Death is death. This is only part of the disintegration of our Church as we know it. People should give much prayer and thought as to where this is all leading. Once people begin to understand the depths of this decay, then preparation for a new beginning must start to take shape (that light Charlie is speaking about). It will take some time, because this did not happen over night, and it will not heal over night. I must say, I am very concerned. Take time to read that earlier prophecy by Joseph Ratzinger posted August 23rd on Spirit Daily. He had his pulse on it long ago. Excellent piece. Not looking too good, is it! Take care and pray. We haven’t reached bottom just yet, but it will be a great new dawn when it comes!

      Liked by 5 people

      1. All good observations and suggestions, Robill. Humanly speaking, it seems evil has won. But actually, thinking about it, Christ’s Light is shining brightly, revealing the darkness. When the process of Rescue began on September 23rd, the undue influence of the evil one was broken. Without that breaking, we could have never reached this moment. Further, we’re pressing on in prayer because of this revelation. We’re relying more totally on God because of our need.I see beams of the New Dawn already shining.

        Liked by 7 people

        1. “When the process of Rescue began on September 23rd, the undue influence of the evil one was broken. Without that breaking, we could have never reached this moment. ” (Beckita).
          And so we, who are attached by sin to so many things related to the body of Christ, are being broken too and as our supports (inner ones too) crumble we find ourselves in troubled waters- both socially and personally.
          As the evil flees, a bit of ourselves is revealed too.
          It’s interesting how attached to sin we really are and how when it comes to a head we too who call ourselves worthy are just as guilty as the rest by some disorder in ourselves be it complacency, distraction or the like, we find that mea culpa is our calling card too.
          I was telling someone the other day that if the Warning was not an actual spiritual event, that this storm we are in is the next closest thing to it as people are asking themselves the hard questions right now about who they are and what they truly believe in.
          If it is not the Warning, it is a good trial run and should give us who believe a pretest to the big one one on that amazing day.

          Liked by 11 people

          1. Insightful, Phillip. I remain in the camp that the Warning is two-fold. We’ve been living it as we make choices in response to the unmasking all around us. And I still think there will be a discrete event. God is calling us back in this disarray. He is allowing us to keenly feel what we have wrought.

            Liked by 9 people

        2. “When the process of Rescue began on September 23rd, the undue influence of the evil one was broken. ”

          40 Days.

          August 15, 2018 to September 23, 2018 is Forty (40) days.

          Hymm…

          It is not too late to join “Novena for our Nation” which commenced Feast of the Assumption, August 15 and runs until Our Lady of the Rosary, October 7th.

          Liked by 5 people

          1. Thanks for the reminder, Sean. Last night Fr. Rick highlighted the intention for the 54 Day Rosary Novena: “In reparation and in petition for the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and restoration of the faith.”

            Liked by 2 people

    5. Yes, Let There be Light. God bless you Archbishop Vigano. Praise God for this Good Shepherd! May we now continue to see in the light of faith with hope how deep the rot has gone AND its connection to Freemasonry.

      Liked by 8 people

    6. Just saw this at Father Z’s site, at least the excerpts from the letter. Wow, it just gets worse. The Lord will know who His “friends” truly are by now; let’s see who defends Truth. All we can do is keep praying! I’m at a loss for words.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Yes, it gets worse in one sense, Annie. On the other hand, to get to the full truth – the process in which are now engaged – is really to get better. May all that is hidden be revealed. May the brave-hearted clerics speak truth, thereby, defusing the abuse of power in their ranks

        Liked by 5 people

  39. Mary is cleaning house! …..if she cleans like me….the house gets turned upside down and looks like a disaster for a while….

    …..then, after it is all gets clean and organized(purified), it shines like a new penny!

    The message of TNRS is simple, pure and perfect for all of us who follow this site!

    Thank you, Charlie! Thank you, Beckita!

    Liked by 14 people

    1. Well said, Lucy. The serpent’s head is being c-r-u-s-h-e-d and his hissing is heard round the world for those who have ears to hear. Time to remain calm and, as you say, Lucy, follow the message of TNRS in its simplicity, purity and perfection… with a whole lotta sacrificing needed NOW for the Bride of Christ is in a yuuuuuuuge upheaval.

      Liked by 7 people

      1. Question: Didn’t Pope Benedict know that the sanctions he’d placed on McCarrick had been lifted? Does that make Pope Benedict complicit in the coverup as well?

        Like

        1. I don’t think so, III. I see it as Pope Benedict doing all he possibly could with his legitimate authority disobeyed. Likely scenario is that he resigned due to the egregious, flaming insubordination and, as an act of faith, trusted that God would allow the unmasking in His Ways and Time.

          Liked by 12 people

          1. I had not read your post before I posted the same thing, Beckita.
            As to Pope Benedict knowing about it…from what I could understand, Pope Francis imposed sanctions on Pope Benedict. Does that mean Pope Benedict couldn’t say anything about the restrictions he had placed on McCarrick? I am wanting help in understanding all of this. My heart is crying.

            Liked by 1 person

            1. There are no sanctions which Pope Francis placed on Pope Emeritus Benedict. As I have been reading Archbishop Vigano’s testimony as well as the many pieces of personal testimony of current and former seminarians and priests, the Lavendar Mafia’s tactics are vicious and, for some, actually life-threatening. I think of how engaging in the sordid predation that was perpetrated opened wide the door to every sort of demon to join the fray of unbridled sinfulness. I wonder at how tortured must Pope Benedict have been to see clerics at the highest levels refusing to obey and engaging in deception and manipulation to maneuver to maintain control.

              I know it’s hard news. It shakes us to the core. But I hold onto to the surety that the Light of Christ revealing these things means we can address what needs to be tended to. We’ve lanced the boil that the pus can be drained and healing can ensue.

              Liked by 12 people

              1. The lanced boil…aptly descriptive. I believe Pope Benedict has been pierces with a thousand arrows. I could be wrong, but I don’t think so. I mean if we go back as far as Pope Pius X at the beginning of the early 1900s when he spoke of this issue, and Pope Leo XIII’s vision, we realize that not all has been going well in the Catholic Church since the beginning with the first Pope. But this…this is the smell of rot! The rise of 2000 years of hatred. Soooo very dark. This is where the sins of the Church are laid bare. Remember that beautiful prayer Fr. Rookey used to pray… Sacred Heart of Jesus and The Miracle Prayer.. And it was so soulfull, as he wailed through the prayer…it was beautiful:

                “Lord Jesus, I come before you, just as I am, I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In your Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce Satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give you my entire self, Lord Jesus, now and forever. I invite you into my life, Jesus. I accept you as my Lord, God and Saviour. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul, and spirit.

                Come Lord Jesus, cover me with your Precious Blood, and fill me with your Holy Spirit. I love you Lord Jesus. I praise you Jesus. I thank you Jesus. I shall follow you every day of my life. Amen.

                Liked by 5 people

                2. Thank you for posting that prayer, robill. Very appropriate.

                  I find myself in a state of mourning and weeping as I read these post. If I didn’t love my church so much I wouldn’t care and this wouldn’t affect me so much.

                  I will roll up my sleeves and get back to the housecleaning of my own soul. I will place my hand on the plow and get back to work shortly. Just need a bit more time to mourn.
                  Blessed be God forever.

                  Liked by 6 people

                3. robill, I love Father Rookey. May he intercede for us before our Almighty Father for healing in our world, Church, families, and our own hearts, minds, souls and spirits.
                  Once I attended a healing service with Father Rookey. After he laid hands on me and prayed, I returned to my seat, and felt a chill as if a breeze had blown right through me and could smell the beautiful fragrance of roses, although there were no flowers present in the meeting hall. At the same time, the woman who invited me, Linda, was sneezing uncontrollably.
                  On the drive home, I spoke about this mystical moment and Linda told me that she did not smell the roses, but that she is allergic to them.
                  The healing I was seeking was for an alcoholic in my life. He was not healed from his addicition, however I was given healing graces to endure the relationship, forgive, and move on. God’s ways are not our ways, although he does not leave us bereft.

                  Liked by 5 people

              2. A vigorous counter-attack has already begun against Archbishop Vigano. Let’s pray that the truth will win out in this situation, no matter which “side” benefits by it. If the Archbishop is telling the truth, he is going to need a lot of prayers to withstand that attacks that will come against him with great force.

                Liked by 7 people

                3. Oh, heck, Frank, “they’ always counter attack. They aren’t going to give up power or agenda easily. Keep saying the Rosary.

                  Liked by 2 people

              3. Hi, I had to go back and reread that same section because my husband read it and asked the same question I did.

                From the article: Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, 77, who served as apostolic nuncio in Washington D.C. from 2011 to 2016, said that in the late 2000s, Benedict had “imposed on Cardinal McCarrick sanctions similar to those now imposed on him by Pope Francis” and that Viganò personally told Pope Francis about those sanctions in 2013.

                So again, it reads that Pope Benedict did have sanctions placed on him. Please comment.

                Liked by 1 person

                1. Thanks for clarifying, HTTP. Your previous comment reads: “… from what I could understand, Pope Francis imposed sanctions on Pope Benedict.” This is why I responded: “There are no sanctions which Pope Francis placed on Pope Emeritus Benedict.” Now I see you’re asking about sanctions placed on McCarrick. As Archbishop Vigano asserts in his testimony, there were sanctions placed on McCarrick by Pope Benedict which Pope Francis chose to remove while taking McCarrick in as a close advisor concerning the Church in America.

                  Liked by 1 person

                  1. Bekita, it looks like McCarrick was not only an advisor concerning the Church in America, but we know from his comment to Archbishop Vigano that the Holy Father sent him to China. Perhaps McCarrick was instrumental in the present devastation to China’s underground church as well. God has everything in hand. Even the truth regarding that deep betrayal will be revealed.

                    Liked by 2 people

                    1. That’s a big perhaps, III. I’ve shared here before that I’ve done some evangelizing in China and provide care for an aging priest whose land of birth is China. He’s now now writing, publishing and distributing splendid catechetical materials for the Chinese. That wedge between the underground Church and the Patriotic Church has been fomented by the hard line communists for years. THEY want the division to secure their power.

                      Liked by 1 person

                1. Sean, I’ve thought about this, too ~ especially in light of yesterday’s revelation of Archbishop Viganò’s eleven-page written testimony, which can be easily found on the Internet. (Downloading and reading the whole thing kept me up last night.)

                  Two paragraphs of the August 23 post of mine that you refer to are here:

                  “A metaphor comes to mind. Recently a local contractor repaired the side porch flooring and its understructure of our family cabin, built in 1931. The old boards had gotten squishy in recent years. We didn’t know what we would find underneath. The carpenter removed necessary boards to look below the surface and found a lot of dry rot that had been expanding over the years. His remedy? To shore up the sound foundations, replace the supports under the floor, and install completely new flooring with strong plywood underneath. My brother and his family primed and painted the new floor. It is attractive and solid.

                  “As awful as the latest revelations from Pennsylvania and elsewhere are, they are necessary for the cure. Half-measures have been insufficient (e.g., simply repainting the squishy floorboards).”

                  In recent years and months, I have given Pope Francis the benefit of the doubt because in many ways he humbly walks in the footsteps of Jesus, and I cannot possibly know what he knows about many things and his reasoning about how best, prudentially, to handle them. However, Archbishop Viganò, too, has been a Church insider for a very long time and has seen many things. He might have anguished over finally presenting his testimony for the public but felt it crucially necessary at this time, knowing that he would be discredited and vilified by many.

                  I thought of Archbishop Viganò, all members of the hierarchy, and all of us especially during today’s first reading at Sunday Mass, in which a choice is presented:

                  “When they stood in ranks before God,
                  Joshua addressed all the people:
                  ‘If it does not please you to serve the LORD,
                  decide today whom you will serve,
                  the gods your fathers served beyond the River
                  or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are now dwelling.
                  As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.'”

                  Liked by 4 people

              5. Hi Handtotheplow and Beckita. This is my “two cents worth”… Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI is a brave and very holy man of God!

                It says volumes in this quote from Pope Benedict XVI, “Pray for me, that I may not flee for fear of the wolves.” I also believe God was showing his anger at the Church and gave warning when two bolts of lightening hit the dome of St. Peter when Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation.

                Benedict tried to do what he could but the situation of evil was too far reaching for someone elderly and in poor health. Some Bishops visiting Russia were reported to have speculated that Benedict just had a short time to live. At the time, before I even understood what the trouble was, that statement sounded like a threat. It was very disturbing at the time.

                I always pray for this dear Emeritus Pope. I commend him for staying around the Vatican after he retired. I don’t know how safe it is for him there but he wasn’t going to leave his flock to the wolves. When you seek God’s help in prayer, God always responds. Benedict couldn’t physically fight the enemy but he got on his knees and spiritually started the war against evil. You have to love this Emeritus Pope!

                Liked by 5 people

          2. Yes, Bekita, in the fullness of His time with the fullness of His grace. I hope to use the time He has given me to draw down grace so that it is available for illumination, repentance, contrition, and faith. Thank you.

            Liked by 3 people

            1. In this desire to draw down God’s Grace, III, we are in solidarity with the people of this ASOH family and with lights aplenty in the hearts of people all over the world who have – some for a good many years, others more recently – signed up as wee foot soldiers in Our Lady’s Army. Onward Christians Soldiers.

              Liked by 6 people

    3. In the book, My Heart Will Triumph, Mirjana compares what is going on as spring cleaning. There is chaos, disorder, no peace, everything’s upside down. Then she says at the end, “This is how I see all the confusion in the world today. This is how I see Our Lady’s apparitions and God’s plan. A truly clean house starts with a big mess. Will you be like most children who stand back while Mom cleans, or will you not be afraid to get your hands dirty and help her?”

      I think we are just beginning, so I need to go get some elbow grease and a big shovel. I better add some knee pads to my list as mine are pretty warn.

      Liked by 9 people

  41. Wow, the Holy Spirit and Our Lady are going to cleanse not only our Church but our world. It’s going to get rough, but pray, pray, pray we can each stay strong to help the Church rebuild.

    Liked by 10 people

  42. Next Right Step…
    “We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Saint Mother Teresa

    Pope St. John Paul II and St Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us.

    Liked by 14 people

  43. I replied on site to that article about Pope Francis and Bshp McCarrick, saying to wait for Pope’s response; betting it would be that things were a Pastoral action that failed…

    Must add I almost asked where Charlie was about 3 days ago, wanting some input. Wish we could get it as quick as the team! But I understand…

    Liked by 2 people

  44. Well, I had a less than fun evening. I visited with some friends and the topic turned to the church and politics. I new this conversation was coming from this particular friend, and oh…it was painful! She is a former Catholic, very liberal and angry. It went from bad to worse and back again…so much anger and hatred.

    Liked by 10 people

    1. Bless you, Sheralyn80, for being a voice of reason amidst all the confusion. It never feels like it, but a voice that rings compassionately with the truth is a beacon in this culture where delusional thinking has become the norm. I thank you on behalf of my children as well as your passionate friend. Their conversions will bring us forceful allies in God’s time.

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Thank you so much for your kind words. It makes one wonder how strangers will be able to communicate different ideas to each other, when I could barely communicate with someone I call a friend.

        Liked by 3 people

        1. I’ve had that recently in my close family, Sheralyn80. It is very difficult, particularly when you feel that you’re being deliberately picked on, although that might very well not be true. I do not always honour the spirit of charity, much less humility, in my responses – put it that way ;( Anyway, I got very good advice in confession recently in that regard, and am trying mightily to implement it. Yes, it involved humility and charity – and actually trying to live up to those virtues rather than giving in straightaway to my innate desire to “even the score”.

          Liked by 3 people

      1. Christ is with us, HTTP. He has been with us through every age of Church crisis. And I don’t think He’s sleeping in the back of the boat. My personal sense is that He’s intimately with each of us, whispering aplenty to remain steady and focus on Him and our beautiful faith. Praying that each of us remains unshakeable in our faith, even as it seems everything around us is shaking in tornado mode.

        Liked by 10 people

        1. Dear dear Beckita – thank you so much for replying to my (above) post. You are a steadying anchor and wise commentator. Thank God you are here. The tornado does indeed roar but there are a few voices of fidelity, again thank God. I was especially encouraged by Fr Lankeit’s sermon. Still in honesty I have to say I’m not ready to trust any priest . Time and sincere actions will indicate who means what they say, Again Beckita thank you and know I pray for you and all the folks here.- and for our besmirched church.

          Liked by 5 people

          1. Thank you for praying for us all, CJ. I understand the reticence to trust priests but our faithful priests need us more than ever both with prayer and concrete actions of support. Prayers for you, CJ, as well.

            Liked by 1 person

  47. Tell me TNRS/ASOH family,

    Was John McCain was as awesome as they are reporting?

    I heard he died ‘on his own terms’ is that slang for eurhanasia?

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Personally, I think there are so many revelations yet to come concerning the good and evil deeds of those who have played prominent roles in our government. My take on John McCain is that he is not what he has presented himself to be. Time will tell. I think your suggestion for dying “on his own terms’ is insightful, Little one.

      Liked by 7 people

      3. It took me a while to pray for John McCain. I met him once in an Executive Protection Detail. I’ll keep my comments to myself. Yet, this morning after mass and praying the Stations of the Cross, I offered the Plenary Indulgence for him.

        Liked by 2 people

    2. PA. The world is a much better place without John McCain. He escaped temporal justice, not sure if it was suicide but quite the coincidence for sure.

      Liked by 6 people

      1. I am so disappointed in your comment….and also the people who have “liked” you. This is not the kind of compassionate response I would expect from anyone on this blog. God have mercy on all of us….and on John McCain’s soul.

        On another note, I am also quite surprised and disappointed again in how quickly so many of you have jumped on the bandwagon trusting that everything that was reported in Archbishop Vigano’s letter is the absolute truth….especially accusations of wrong doing on Pope Francis’ part.

        I am shocked, SAD, and horrified at all that is happening in our world. I also trust and am hopeful that things will be brought to God’s light. I am so relieved that the sins in our Church are finally being exposed for what they are….horrible beyond belief. I also think that it’s a matter of time before the sins in our Canadian churches will be exposed. More sadness, shock, confusion….

        I personally need to commit to more prayers for this whole terrible mess we find ourselves into.

        Sad….but hopeful. With Christ, nothing is impossible….

        Liked by 2 people

        1. It is a difficult time, AgentJ9. Each of us in entitled to our opinions with the freedom to agree or disagree in discussions here. From the inception of the TNRS blog and now at ASOH, Charlie has ever welcomed debate backed by well reasoned arguments and evidence given when possible. We make an effort to not judge one another’s motives or accuse one another when we disagree. It makes for healthy, respectful exchanges, allowing for divergent opinions and reasoning as we all process these current events with the panoply of emotions which rise in these challenging days.

          There just might be information about John McCain of which some are aware and cause them to express that such as that will not be missed. I would wager that the majority of those who read and comment here pray for John McCain’s soul and all the souls of the dying and deceased.

          As for Archbishop Vigano’s testimony, it is believable – especially in light of all that has been unfolding in the Catholic Church in America which many here have been following – and we, each, are welcome to express why we may think the testimony to be true. I will add, the National Catholic Register spoke to doing some research on some of the assertions made before printing the piece. This is a solid, faithful to the Church newspaper, not some gossip tabloid or secular press reporting.

          United with you and all in the Church whose hearts are lifted in prayer for the Bride of Christ at this time.

          Liked by 7 people

        2. AgentJ9, “LIKES” are not always endorsements. It can be that someone liked or appreciated that someone had the courage to speak candidly, even if there are differences of opinions. I agree that we do need more prayer.

          ❤

          Liked by 5 people

        3. I do not believe that John McCain was a force for good in this Country or the world. That said, I feel only empathy for his family and love for his immortal soul. I pray that he was in a state of grace.

          As for Archbishop Vigano’s testimony, I recommend reading it in its entirely and learning about this man. I find him solid and trustworthy. Nothing I read strikes me as unbelievable. Shocking, yes. But not worthy of dismissal. May God be with him as the ravenous wolves descend upon him now. Pray for him and all those who remain faithful to Christ our Lord!

          Liked by 6 people

          1. Randall, I agree 100% with your take on John McCain with regard to his politics. May he rest in peace, and may God comfort and bless his family.

            Liked by 5 people

          1. Absolutely, Jen. And our First Lady is a particularly gentle and gracious woman.

            We have 2 excellent FLOTUS’s in Melania and in Laura Bush, and the angry liberal women in the media have only ignored or attacked them. (Probably makes it even worse that they are attractive as well).

            Liked by 1 person

    3. Please, do not let thoughts or suspicions afflict you. Regardless of the temptation to do so, reject them.
      I believe that those about to die know that the time is near. My father, despite rejecting dialysis, still didn’t want to be put in hospice care. We already had a hospital bed in mom and dad’s house where we were taking care of him. I knew that going to dialysis three times a week was hard on him and he also , I believe, thought that he was a burden to those of us involved in his care. His rejection of hospice seemed to be a last skirmish against what he knew was coming. The decision was his, not ours. After a week, he said he wanted to hear what a hospice nurse had to say. He finally allowed for hospice care but with certain stipulations, to which the family agreed. Two and a half hours after mom signed the hospice papers, he died. (the same night the nurse had come to explain hospice care.)

      He was in hospice care for two and a half hours and I felt the fluttering of his pulse until it stopped.
      He died on his own terms yet obediently came when God called him.

      Liked by 7 people

      1. You’re right, Nancy. It was inappropriate of me to speculate about John and is not my concern, only his family’s.

        Thank you for sharing your very personal experience with your father.

        Sincerely,
        Patrick

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Patrick, my comment was not directed at you–only at the developing topic in the thread. To my shame, I once did the same thing that you did. In God’s mercy, I was given the gifts of being present at the deaths of my husband, both my parents and my mother-in-law. I missed my father-in-law’s death by about an hour after my visit. I knew he was dying. Consider my comment as an act of reparation.
          I also thank you for all your work with the dying. I”m not sure I could handle it–I get too attached.

          Sincerely,
          Nancy

          Liked by 2 people

          1. Your comment was an important reminder to me to only work from what I know is true, especially in my line of work.

            I’m not sure if you’ve heard this, but in hospice many of us believe that a person is sometimes able to choose when they move on. I’ve seen situations where a frail elderly woman hangs on well beyond expectations until a grandson arrives from overseas, and then dies an hour later. I’ve seen other times where a daughter never left her father’s bedside for days on end. When she finally stepped out for a quick 30-minute break, he passed away before she had even left the building.

            This is just my feeling, but it seems that your father in particular wanted you by his side to witness his passing…and to feel his last heart beats. That is so beautiful to me. What a gift he has shared with you, Nancy. And thank you for sharing it with us all.

            Thank you also for your kind words.

            Liked by 2 people

            2. Patrick, I hope you get this. When you wrote that dad waited for me to be there, I remembered what happened. After the nurse left, I went home to dinner. As I walked past his bed in the living room, I noticed he was crying. I said, “Don’t worry, dad, I’ll be back.” I always said that when I would leave their house. Now I remember that he would often cry when I would leave. Someone had then called me and I rushed back just in time.
              And now I am crying.

              Liked by 4 people

                1. Thank you for responding to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to write what you wrote. When I read your 10:17 comment, I thought it was so nice of you to post what you did. Within a short time, I was hit with the truth of what you had written. I had never even thought of that possibility. I won’t go into detail about my relationship with my dad, but I never felt loved by him. (I think he felt the same way about his father.)
                  What you wrote has opened up a whole new way of looking at our relationship and actually is bringing me closer to him now than when he was alive. It means a lot to think that he did love me.

                  Thank you again for allowing yourself to be God’s instrument.

                  Liked by 4 people

                    1. Nancy, you might appreciate the work of Fr. John Hampsch in the area of inter-generational healing. He recommends Masses for the Family Tree so that the entire family line is healed and blessed. The previous generations are given the graces to make the journey Home from purgatory. The succeeding generations are blessed with graces for holy, healthy living – a spiritual inheritance to pass on. Here’s one link to Father’s book: Healing Your Family Tree.

                      Liked by 1 person

                    2. Thank you, Beckita. Sometime in the past, I had Gregorian Mases said for my parents and my grandfather (my dad’s father). Now I see that more prayers and fasting are necessary. I am the oldest of nine, mother of five and grandmother of twenty and I recently acquired the “War Room” attitude. I just didn’t see that the one who needed healing the most was me. I will get that book.
                      I have started watching a series called “The Wild Goose.” Last night, for the first time, I felt the Holy Spirit working and now I want the same thing for my entire family and every soul within it. I want healing for each and every one of them.

                      Liked by 2 people

                    4. HI, Nancy,
                      I hope you get this. My dad passed away a little over 4 years ago. He was an abusive alcoholic. Not exactly a fun up bringing. I believe he didn’t have a very good upbringing either. That generational thing sure has a way of getting pasted on-the sins of the father thing. Anyway, my husband and I worked at honoring him his last years. We choose to practice that commandment not because we liked my dad but because God commanded it.

                      I collect heart rocks. (God loves us-it is written in stone!) I wrote on one of them, I forgive you, and placed it on his headstone. As I was driving home from work one day I received a powerful image of my dad smiling down at me. It lasted the whole twenty minute drive. I have had such peace and healing since then. That experience has greatly impressed upon my heart the need to pray for those we don’t even like.

                      Combining my prayers with you for your family. May the Peace of the Good Lord be with you.

                      Liked by 3 people

                    6. Thank you, HandtothePlow. I am receiving so much healing–I feel like I am being flooded with all the good memories of him that I failed to recognize.
                      I liked what you did with the forgiveness stone. Thank you for your prayers for my family. We have a long way to go.

                      Liked by 2 people

  48. Perhaps the winnowing of the world-wide bishops will allow the Holy Father (whoever he is), to FINALLY heed Our Lady’s request at Fatima: In union with all the bishops in the world on the same day at the same time, consecrate Russia to my Immaculate Heart. In the mean time I will continue to pray and offer sacrifices of reparation to the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart as well as for poor sinners who have no one to pray for them. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, save souls.

    Liked by 4 people

  49. Well, I rejoice as I reflect on Mother Mary cleaning house, but it is very painful.

    Now I have read in the Register, that after all the bishops were voted on to attend the next Youth Synod, Pope Francis inserted Bishop Tobin to attend as well. Perfectly within his right, I assume, but once again, adding fuel to the fire with more controversy. I have understood several holy people to say he is the Pope for these times, but I just don’t understand all the confusion. Confusion is from the evil one. I pray that the Holy Spirit will bring His light to all of this.

    I welcome the cleaning….but I wish there were not so much dust in my eyes….

    Liked by 11 people

      1. Islam is Islam, thank you for this link! I know Father Altier, he is a wonderful Priest!! I will listen to this as soon as I can 🙂

        Liked by 3 people

  50. Let there be light!! Bombshell from Archbishop Vigano’s testimony. Watch the evil doers dig in there heals. Good luck, The Queen of Heaven has had enough.

    Liked by 5 people

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Published by charliej373

Charlie Johnston is a former newspaper editor, radio talk show host and political consultant. From Feb. 11, 2011 to Aug. 21, 2012, he walked 3,200 miles across the country, sleeping in the woods, meeting people and praying as he went. He writes on cultural, global and political issues from an orthodox Catholic perspective. He emphasizes that we find God most surely through the ordinary, doing the little things we should with faith and fidelity. His constant refrain is that, to live real joy, we must acknowledge God, take the next right step, and be a sign of hope to those around us. He lives in the Archdiocese of Denver in the United States.