Is It Just? – Short Takes

Posted on by charliej373

Aslan

By Charlie Johnston

I speak occasionally about “first principles,” those fundamental principles which, if you get solidly embedded in your mind, will guide you effectively in just about any circumstance. A corollary in examining an issue would be “first questions,” those questions that get to the heart of a matter with direct simplicity. One of the most useful of these questions, particularly in matters of accusations and criminal law is, “Is it just?”

In the early days of the Republic, the focus was heavily on guilt or innocence. The law was administered much more swiftly then. It became apparent that, on more than a few occasions, guilt or innocence was determined more by public passion than actual evidence. Innocent men were sometimes being railroaded because of a lack of protection against public passion. It was not just. Thus, there rose an emphasis on procedure that would protect the accused from being convicted on a wave of public passion rather than a wave of hard evidence. The enthusiasm for process came to exceed the passion for actual justice – and now criminals that are clearly and obviously guilty are routinely set free because of a violation of a procedural detail rather than a defect in evidence. It is not just.

Public confidence in the justice system relies on public confidence that it is just – and that where it fails it endeavors vigorously to correct the failure. The rise from frontier justice arose because people came to believe, bluntly, that its errors were not just. The errors of modern justice are excused because, “that’s just the way we do things,” one of the most noxious and corrosive approaches to any subject. When it is accepted that a situation is not just, but is the way we do things, it reduces it to a sort of parlor game. When the participants are no longer focused on attaining justice, but on winning the game, it corrupts the process at every level. Prosecutors hide exculpatory evidence, defense attorneys look for the technicality which will win them their “get out of jail free” card.

The old system sometimes convicted the innocent. The new system often releases the guilty, but excuses itself by noting that it rarely punishes the innocent. Its advocates are wrong. Every time a judge releases an obviously guilty violent defendant, that judge signs a death warrant for some innocent person whose name will be filled in later. When I was doing radio in the early 90’s, the Polly Klaas case jumped into the headlines. Klaas was a 12-year-old girl who was kidnapped and murdered by 39-year-old Richard Davis. What grabbed me as I studied the case was how many arrests and convictions Davis had. His rap sheet was as long as a gorilla’s arm. Three of his convictions were for kidnapping. What, I asked in rage, was this man doing OUT of jail at the age of 39?

Now that the system is fully perverted, due process is ignored when ambitious prosecutors go after political cases, but is used triumphantly to protect the most nakedly violent predators. It is not just. And so it will be vigorously reformed or fall – for people will not forever stand a system that is not fundamentally just.

*******

We are watching this play out in the hearings over Judge Brett Kavanaugh. A woman has charged that, when they were both in high school, he assaulted her. She has a few credibility problems. She never mentioned it to anyone until 30 years after it supposedly happened – in a therapy session. She did not mention Kavanaugh as the perpetrator in the therapy session. She has changed significant details of what she “remembered” in therapy to today. She does not remember exactly where or when it happened. She is an active member of the “Resistance,” a Bernie Sanders supporter who has marched in those “women’s parades” in those hideous pink hats. The story is shaky on all levels.

But let us look at what she alleges. Many commentators are calling it “serious.” She says she thought she was going to be raped. But the actual facts she alleges are that a drunken Kavanaugh and another boy got her into a room with the door shut. Kavanaugh got on top of her and started fondling her. The other boy pulled him off and she left the room. If all of this were true, it would be the ugly grip and grope all too common at unsupervised high school parties. It is likely not true and certainly not just. If this is the sort of stuff to derail nominations, we should codify it. If you are in high school and engage in a drunken grip and grope, it will forever prohibit you from public office – if you become a Republican. If you are a Democrat, grip and grope to your heart’s content. Shoot, you can even have a few credible accusations of rape and you are immune (ask Bill Clinton). Either we have one set of standards for all or candidly admit that the only real public crime is being or associating with a Republican. If it is the latter, let the revolution begin.

*******

I cringe when I listen to elected officials talk about history or the Constitution any more. The whole elite class has become a crowd of ignorant, intellectual bankrupts. Listening to Kamala Harris talk about the Constitution is as maddening and errant as listening to your local conspiracy theorist explain in feverish terms how we never landed on the moon or that 9-11 was an inside job by Jews in government. On history, there even is a precedent for modern identity politics. In the early years of the last century, Austria was overwhelmed by immigrants that did not assimilate. Austrian-Germans had come to constitute only a third of the population of their country. There were over a dozen substantial nationalities that lived in Austria, but did not want to be Austrian. Hungarians, Serbs, Croats, Czechs, and others were demanding national autonomy, loyal to their countries of origin rather than the nation they lived in. There was no semblance of national unity. It was from this toxic cauldron of early identity politics that Adolf Hitler was formed, fuming with resentment that the German-Austrians had been reduced to second-class citizens. I laugh bitterly when I hear leftists urgently explain some fantasy of how Hitler arose even as they remain ignorant that they have been busily replicating the cauldron that produced him. The war of all against all only produces bitter fruit.

I began to journal in the 80’s of my fear that the elite classes were degenerating into ignorance and corruption. That is the best early indicator that a society is lurching towards a catastrophic collapse. I deeply appreciated Ronald Reagan, but feared he might only be a speed bump in our mad rush to self-destruction. A happy thought occurred to me, then. In all previous such societies, the elite really were elite – the most knowledgeable and competent members a society could produce. When they degenerated, there was no back-up. But here in America, we had a great un-corrupted middle…cowed certainly, but still believing in the verities of faith, honor and fair play. It would not be enough to spare us the confrontation of battle in the future, but it might well be enough to allow us to survive the battle as a country…if only the middle would get fed up and say, “Nuts,” to the pretentions of the faux elite that runs most of the institutions in this country – and the West. I was wrong about one thing: they didn’t say, “Nuts!” Instead they said, “Trump!”

*******

After over four decades in politics, I roll my eyes whenever anyone says that “this is the most important election of our lifetime.” Over-heated enthusiasts say it about every election. I did, actually, think the 2016 election WAS one of the most consequential. If Clinton had won, the war on religion, the war to force people’s conscience, the war to rule rather than serve the American people would impoverish and enslave us…unless the people declared war on their would-be rulers. It was not a happy thought. We did revolt – at the ballot box instead of with bullets. Now, this election will tell whether we can sustain that revolt.

In my lifetime, Republicans have adopted policies that create prosperity – and by the time they get there, people are focused on the bad results of nice-sounding but bad policies. (The one exception was John Kennedy, who also adopted policies that actually grew the economy.) But as people enjoyed the prosperity, they got complacent, assuming it was a quality of being an American rather than the product of sound policy…and so the cycle would begin again.

This is the Gettysburg Address election, testing whether this nation, “or any nation so conceived can long endure.” We will decide who we are as a people this time, whether we will, as every generation since the founding of the Republic, stand for freedom – or submit to chains; whether we are dogs to be “cared for” and ruled by our betters, or a free people who will walk on our hind legs. I cannot believe America will choose the former, thinking no depredations can ultimately disturb us. But that the shrieking hysteria of the atheist lunatic left is taken seriously by so very many people who ought to know better tells me that, already, this is not the country I was born to.

If the Democrats win with their vicious, violent tactics, we may have two years in which Trump and the Democrats stalemate each other. But if we do not firmly and vigorously reject the authoritarian attacks on freedom with complete focus and fortitude, war is in our future. I know I will not bow down to a violent mob who calls itself the elite telling me what I can do, what I can say, and what I can think. In the movie, ‘Braveheart,’ William Wallace said, “You can take my life, but you can never take my FREEDOM.” I completely concur. The conquest is going to be lot tougher than the left thinks. I pray we nip it in the bud right now.

*******

I have come to think we made a serious error in forcing Richard Nixon from office. Yet the willingness of some Republicans to stand up for what was right, not to just be partisans, endeared me to the party early on. One of the things that has most bothered me over the leftist assault on decency and honor has been the search for someone, anyone on the Democrat side who believes in and will put the country first rather than nakedly seeking partisan advantage. After you get past Alan Dershowitz and Mark Penn, the pickings are as thin as in a desert during a drought.

My first Congressional boss, Robert McClory, supported the impeachment of Nixon. It was a brutal time – and he came as close to defeat in the post-Watergate election of 1974 as he ever did in his career. I have been thinking of him nostalgically, of late. I captured this 15-minute clip of my old boss explaining why a man must always put his conscience first in fundamental issues of public life. I have come to disagree with his conclusion on the particular case, but you can see from this clip that we once inhabited a country where public officials were serious and put a premium on honor. He was a good introduction to public life. I worked for him when he gave this speech, but I had no part in drafting this one.

*******

I have completely lost confidence in Pope Francis. He has occupied himself calling victims who speak out as satanic accusers, has stone-walled, has busied himself seeking to punish whistle-blowers rather than predators, has tried to delay – clearly thinking it will all die down, and remains relentlessly focused on politics and power rather than the things of God. Even in the midst of this crisis, almost all the Pope’s appointees to the Synod on Youth are LBGT activists in the Church. The solid members come from the vote of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. I could change my mind, but it would take a lot: a clear and public Road to Damascus moment – for him, not for me.

A friend told me he thinks the Pope is so deeply entrenched that he will appoint another member of the “McCarrick Mafia” to replace Cardinal Wuerl. If that happens, then I think we just go fully into the maelstrom and try to fight our way back.

I do NOT believe Francis is an invalid Pope. As I have mentioned several times, God has suffered the Church to be led by men unworthy of the office on numerous occasions throughout history – usually as a forerunner to reveal the depth of the rot at any particular time and spark genuine reform. That, I think, is where we are.

Mass attendance is going to take a huge hit in the next few months. Fortunately, my Pastor has handled this issue with forthright candor, so while attendance is noticeably down at my Parish the last few weeks, it is not frightfully down. Now we arrive at a time where everybody must choose. This Pope can still bind my conscience on spiritual matters when he speaks in unity with the Bishops of the world (I think he is going to find that a lot harder these days than he thinks). When he hectors me that I MUST put up with abuse because he says so and I am satanic otherwise, when he hectors me on political things he has no authority over, when he tells me, by his appointments, that Christ does not actually mean what Christ actually says, I will ignore him and oppose his actions.

Choosing means that you are going to offend some people whose friendship you value. But choose we all must.

*******

I have been contemplating the Fifth Joyful Mystery this week, the Teaching at the Temple. How many doctors of the law, I wonder, dismissed what this 12-year-old said because He was just a ‘snot-nosed punk.’ We know they dismissed Him later because He was unlettered and not part of the elite class – and they considered Him downright satanic in His demand that they reform themselves. In their fury, they missed their chance to study from the wisdom of God, Himself.

Throughout my life, I have often found important bits of wisdom from unlikely sources. It has often pleased God to speak to me through people I had lightly regarded. Wisdom is its own justification. We all would do well to watch for it, including in places we find most unlikely.

197 thoughts on “Is It Just? – Short Takes”

  1. “I laugh bitterly when I hear leftists urgently explain some fantasy of how Hitler arose even as they remain ignorant that they have been busily replicating the cauldron that produced him. The war of all against all only produces bitter fruit.” How sobering, Charlie and Friends, and downright chilling. I have a 90 year old friend who grew up in Germany during the evil days of Hitler’s time. This friend has been commenting, since Obama was first elected, that we are living in days similar to those days before the reign of the Third Reich.

    Added to the discerning of the assault on Kavanaugh is the reality that Diane Feinstein sat on the letter of the questionable charge for months: https://www.lifenews.com/2018/09/14/diane-feinstein-sat-on-letter-with-bogus-sexual-harassment-allegations-against-brett-kavanaugh-for-months/ Feinstein could have brought the letter up in private meetings and/or the hearings. What an evil way to make an 11th hour desperation stab to deny Kavanaugh this opportunity to serve… and all for the purpose of the continuation of God-less laws and policies.

    Love this: …if only the middle would get fed up and say, “Nuts,” to the pretentions of the faux elite that runs most of the institutions in this country – and the West. I was wrong about one thing: they didn’t say, “Nuts!” Instead they said, “Trump!”

    And I say Trump has been the perfect prelude to the Ballad of the Ordinary Man. Thinking now of the icebreaker image in your piece: Breaking Up the Corruption Frozen Around Our Institutions. Joining you, Charlie, and all here, in praying to nip in the bud this onslaught of shoving the Leftist agenda, in all its madness – too often rooted in anti-Gospel values – down our throats.

    As for our Holy Father, first principles as expressed in Revelation 2:4-5 come to mind as I observe his actions. I, respectfully, pray these words would shake his conscience and bring him back: “4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.”

    Pope Francis deserves our prayers. He does. And even as I pray the Revelation passage for him, I pray it as an examen for me. I think, too, that people will jump ship, avoid Mass and protest against the Church in many ways. Those who refuse to attend Mass reveal their own weakness in faith which is cause for those who remain in the Barque of Peter to follow Our Lady’s directives. How long and how often in this Age of Mary has she pleaded with us to pray and sacrifice for the poor ones: the weak in faith, the faithless, particularly those souls on their way to perdition. I have to say, too, that the many who would desert Eucharistic Jesus out of anger at the sins of the minority of priests and bishops, reveal a need for growing a mature faith rooted in Jesus, what He teaches and the very Church He established and promised to protect – though the gates of hell are violently railing against her. This is not to say I have any right to judge a person’s heart and soul. I never have and never will. But it is to speak objective truth in a world drowning in PC talk.

    Sir William Wallace and St. Joan of Arc, pray with us and for us! Help us call upon every saint – known and unknown – angel and holy soul for the sake of this confrontation between the Church and the anti-Church, the Gospel and the anti-Gospel.

    Liked by 24 people

      1. Scary indeed, Rose. But you know what? I have experienced some mighty challenges in which God granted the graces needed to traverse the difficulties, graces which weren’t known or available until the very days they were needed. I trust Him. I trust that whatever we must go through, He *will* grant us what we need to make our way through it.

        Liked by 9 people

      1. You are so kind, Noreen. Thank you. I’m trying as we all are trying to LIVE IT, this faith so precious and the messages wherein Our Mother asks us to intercede, in prayer and deeds, for the sake of all her children to make a return to her Son. SO grateful for your own presence and that of each one who remains with us, whether active commenter or silent reader. I have this sense that, in the not so distant future, our numbers here will swell as we continue to make our way through the wild rapids of this transition – and they will become wilder yet, but not to fear when we rely completely on God – of which Charlie has been shown for his lifetime and for which he has laid down his life to prepare us and see us through it. There will be many more people, I think, who will seek solace and support among us as we journey on. God bless us all.

        Liked by 8 people

  2. The whole Kavanaugh situation is so insane, and yet predictable given how firmly entrenched the principles of atheistic communism, modernism and progressivism have taken hold in this country. No, it is not the country we thought we grew up in. Our normalcy bias prevents us from acknowledging how really bad it has all become – we want things to be ok. But Our Lady told the children at Fatima that if Russia was not consecrated to her Immaculate Heart, it would spread its errors everywhere. Go read The Gulag Archipelago and tell me that the progressive left in the USA is operating any differently than the Stalanists who condemned people to the gulag with a mere allegation. Today, a supreme court nominee. Tomorrow who?

    I have said before that 2018 is the Year of Truth and I still believe it. O Lord, send forth thy light and thy truth!

    Liked by 11 people

  4. Hi Charlie and Benita, I echo your thoughts concerning Pope Francis. I agree he is a duly elected Pope of our church. God DOES allow people like Pope Francis to assume leadership of the Catholic Church to bring about the ultimate purification of the hierarchy that will come. Jesus promised that “the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church”. I believe that whole heartedly.No,I will not walk out because of the behaviour of the Shepards , because then where would I go? I believe completely in the teachings of our Catholic Faith.I continue to pray for the leadership in our church.I also pray for your president remaining in office, because even though I am not American, I see President Trump as the man who has tremendous influence worldwide. And if he can succeed in bringing America back to your constitution has it was originally enacted and truly beckoning again a nation that says “In God we trust”,then I hope that will serve as an inspiration for the other countries around the world. A Canadian.t

    Liked by 15 people

    1. Amen, Carol. Praying in solidarity with Canadians and all peoples, everywhere in the world, dreaming of the day when we shall be one flock under one shepherd. May each country flourish as a particular bloom, in true and holy diversity in God’s Garden of Nations, as the citizens in each locale co-create with Him to rebuild a culture of life.

      Liked by 14 people

      1. I love that Beckita! I often think of the nations as blooms in God’s great garden. That thought initially came from my study of St. Joan of Arc…when the English sought to exterminate and subsume France into a mere province of England, it did not please God to lose the flower that is France from His garden, so He sent Joan to rescue her. So it is with all the nations. Globalism, shmobalism! Don’t ruin the garden.

        Liked by 13 people

  5. “You can take my life, but you can never take my freedom.”
    -William Wallace
    This brings to mind a quote that has been, accurately or not, attributed to Gen. George Patton:
    There is no glory in dying for your cause. The glory comes in making your enemy die for HIS cause. Note: I’m going from memory here so the exact wording may not be correct but the idea is conveyed. In fact I’m pretty sure the exact wording is a little more ‘salty’ so let’s leave it at that. But seriously folks, I so often hear people say ‘I would die for my faith-protecting my family-this republic-fill in your own cause’. I challenge these people to think about something. Your faith-family-republic-[other cause] is not a suicide pact. Contemplative people should be asking themselves in a serious way, would I be willing/able to kill in order to save your faith-family-republic. In The Name of Jesus I pray we never ever come to that but let’s face reality, a significant faction of our enemies would have us all greased tomorrow if they had ample opportunity and means.

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Salty as it is, I love the actual quote from General Patton: “No dumb bastard ever won a war by going out and dying for his country. He won it by making some other dumb bastard die for his country.”

      We like to keep it clean here, but salty is okay if it has sufficient literary merit (and if it makes me laugh, it probably has enough literary merit).

      Liked by 22 people

      1. Charlie, leave it to you to come up with the real deal. Thanks. My memory of the quote had it quite a bit ‘saltier’. Projection maybe? 🙂

        Liked by 3 people

        1. Salty but “plain speaking “. We need to return to that form of communication.
          We need to stop tap dancing around the issues….I see this every day.

          Liked by 5 people

    2. Christopher J,
      Your comment about willing to kill to protect your family… I believe people need to settle that issue before going into battle. I think of my children…yes, I would do that to protect them.
      Something that has helped me come to that resolve is the leftists willingness to kill innocent pre-born babies. They have given up their morals. I believe they would have no qualms of killing me. I am more convinced because of where I work and what I see every day.
      Remember the scene in Saving Private Ryan when the enemy was shown mercy and later shot the leader? In my mind, I’m asking God to have mercy on the enemy and I am going to protect anyone put under my charge. I have a job to do.

      Liked by 10 people

  6. Charlie,
    Love IT! Saw the movie, loved Patton, loved his “salty” talk!
    Your post was brilliant! You speak to my heart! Just read an article which is very unsurprising:
    Treachery of the Chinese Catholic Church go between Vatican and Chinese gov:
    http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2018/09/17/archbishop-mccarricks-unofficial-role-in-vatican-china-relations/

    Please teach me how to keep my head from exploding! Treachery! at the highest level in the Church!

    Liked by 5 people

    1. PS:With my foregoing comment on Patton.s salty charge to his troops:
      Have rifle, Russian Mosin Nagant, 7.62x54R, telescoped, sniper able at 1000 yards. Will shoot only if forced to defend wife, self and USA. May God have mercy on the enemy’s soul and me!

      Liked by 8 people

      1. Joseph, the women need to be able to defend ourselves. The women and children seem to be the ones who get raped, etc. Over my dead body!

        Liked by 4 people

      2. Joseph, of my husbands’ several long guns, two of his favorites are the very gun that you describe. I can’t remember if he has scopes on them, but he does have the bayonets that came with them. He will only shoot to defend self, family, the USA, and livestock (we live in ‘coon and coyote country).

        I also have a rifle. I pray to God that I never have to use it, but I also pray that I not hesitate to shoot if an unjust aggressor were to threaten my husband or my kids.

        Liked by 9 people

    2. I read this piece, Joseph, and I wonder, without knowing details, what actually transpired. I have personally known many an addict who lived a double life. The person was capable of doing very good work in some areas while totally losing his/her self-control and lapsing into the addictive behavior. Some of that is about compartmentalization in order to prove to the self, “I am a good person because of this good I have accomplished.” Did McCarrick struggle internally that way?

      The conflicts within the Catholic Church in China are complicated. I’ve written before and will say it again, I have looked into the tortured faces of Chinese priests who do not flout Rome at all. They have expressed their desire to remain above ground rather than underground in order to meet the sacramental needs of the Chinese people.

      The intrigue within Chinese society alone, marred by communism, is replete with inconsistencies and internal struggles. It’s amazing how certain regions have communist officials who publicly blare out “Sinicization!” in regards to religion while the superseding rule is personal human relations so that people give public assent to the communist official then quietly go about doing whatever they wish to do *without* drawing public attention to it and said communist official knows it and turns a blind eye. And this can have a completely different outcome in other regions in China. Here’s another perspective on the Chinese government-Vatican negotiations. There’s yet so much to be known and seen, I think.

      Liked by 5 people

  7. It’s been an enjoyable series of posts these past few weeks. I’m swamped with school and clinicals so have no time to chat….but maybe that’s a good thing? (Less talk, more chopping). Later I may share my experiences on the impoverished Cheyenne River Indian Reservation where I’m spending several consecutive weeks at a small clinic: rampant alcoholism, meth, child abuse, broken and re-shuffled families, diabetes, unemployment, crime, teen pregnancies, and a shocking number of suicides, especially among the young. It’s a scourge. While eating at a local restaurant, I witnessed a “Suicide Awareness” parade through a town’s Main Street and quickly lost my appetite. Please pray for the Sioux Americans who are struggling through life in our prosperous country.

    I don’t know what the answers to their collective problems are, but whatever we’re doing right now ain’t working. Our government sure isn’t helping matters….

    Anyway, Love you guys and gals!
    Patrick

    Liked by 9 people

    1. God bless you, Patrick. Praying for you and the beautiful Sioux Americans to whom you tend. My late husband, Ted, spent 28 years teaching on an Indian reservation. He said it was a calling and he was so loved by the Salish people. At Ted’s funeral, the whole native community drove the 30 mile commute and overflowed the Church. Sending Ted your way, Patrick, to accompany you in your busy days.

      Liked by 12 people

      1. Wonderful to hear about your beloved husband, Beckita. I must admit, I have always been fond of the Indian peoples and love this immersive experience. The staff I’m working with is already telling the patients I’ll soon be working there permanently….and there’s actually a good chance this will come true.

        Thank you for sending Ted my way!
        St Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us.
        Venerable Nicholas Black Elk, pray for us.

        https://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/cause-opens-for-nicholas-black-elk-holy-man-of-the-lakota

        Liked by 7 people

        1. Awesomeness, Patrick. Praying, then, that God’s Will be done in where you will land for work. I LOVE St. Kateri Tekakwitha. Venerable Nicholas Black Elk is also a gem of a venerable on his way to being raised to the altar.

          Liked by 6 people

        2. Patrick, thank you for this information on Nicholas Black Elk, of whom I’d never heard before. I just ordered Fr. Steltenkamp’s first book, “Black Elk: Holy Man of the Oglala” for $3.64 (hardcover, shipping included) on abebooks.com.

          Liked by 6 people

            1. Ooh! Patrick, that would be wonderful! When I was researching Fr. Steltenkamps’ books and trying to decide which one to order, the wheels were spinning in my head trying to figure out how to get my hands on a holy card. You’re the best!

              Liked by 5 people

        3. Sounds like a great opportunity for you, brother! In addition to Kateri and Black Elk, added my old Granny to the list of intercessors for you. I chuckle, because she liked to point out to folks that she had Cherokee blood. Really, she was an amazing seamstress, crafting beautiful dolls of the indigenous people and selling them with the added tag, “Indian Made.” Ha, my auburn-haired, freckle-faced Granny had a smidgen of Cherokee (1/64th), having nearly as much Irish blood in her as me.

          Also asked my friend, Sara Bird-In-Ground, to add her prayers for you. Half Crow (from Beckita’s stomping grounds), half Gila River (Akimel O’Oodham, “River People”). I once rode out with her onto her people’s land where she surprised me by sharing a small, hidden treasure. A rock where Padre Kino had carved his name with the date he visited that spot.

          Throughout the history of this land, there have always been decent and deceived folks on all sides, and from all parts. Sure, some who were truly evil, but I consider that the small minority.

          I know you’ll approach the new challenge in the same spirit as Padre Kino. He was one of the good guys too.

          Liked by 6 people

          2. Thanks, MP, for adding your Granny’s intercession.

            My ex-wife had some Nipmuc in her blood. In Tucson we have the Tohono O’odham Nation in the Sonora that I’m familiar with. Don’t you just love the names? Like Susie Looks Twice. I took care of a Oglala Lakota and US Army vet whose family name was “Her Many Horses.” His blood brother just went with “Many Horses” though. My Indian name would be something like “His Many Words” or maybe “Patrick Dancing Fingers.” 🎹🎹🎹 What’s yours?

            Liked by 4 people

      1. Isn’t this card lovely? If you want one, shoot me a message through SpiritualHospice.com

        So, yes, what is your Indian name?

        Charlie’s might be something like: “Charlie Talks With Angels.”

        Michael Patrick’s might be: “Michael Walks With Horses.”

        😀

        Liked by 3 people

    3. Patrick, This sounds tragic and something needs to done, and perhaps not the government, or their own tribal leaders. However, I don’t know what to say, excepts an excellent missionary group with deep Christian roots might help. Perhaps an organization like Samaritan’s Purse, with Franklin Graham. Just an idea. When it becomes an entire community, there are some seriously deep deep issues. Perhaps an exorcism to rid the demons that plague these people. There is a ‘protestant ” exorcist named Russ Dizdar, website: Shatter the darkness. He is used all over the US by many many organizations. He might be able to help or recommend some help. Don’t give up. You were called to open a door. Desperation is serious and needs help. We must all pray for this group. God Loves these people. And God Love you.

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Their problems run generationally deep. Decade after decade, white folk such as myself come charging in to help, but often to no avail other than to maybe touch a few individually, and then only to return back home. Some, like Beckita’s husband, Ted, plant themselves in the community and really make a positive difference.

        But Christian organizations are already all over the place (“Save-the-World People” as my preceptor jokingly says. She’s lived on Cheyenne River for 18 years). They throw ample donations of clothes and shoes and toiletries at the community, but this does not address the root problems. Kids are walking around with brand new, expensive sneakers and back-packs full of school supplies that they got free. Our govt gave free housing away in the form of trailers, only to see many gutted for the copper wiring. Every winter boxes of nice clothes remain unclaimed. These efforts aren’t exactly helping but maybe makes the donors feel good. Those in need do get food stamps and Medicaid and IHS care. Generally, physical needs are being met. So what are we missing?

        The Catholic Church has long had a presence here (with a mixed history). But still, I don’t think we understand. These problems are also not unique to the Sioux — though some tribes do rise up and enjoy far more success, prosperity, and community well-being than others.

        ✝️ You hit on something I hadn’t considered, Robill, and you’re comment resonated. The pervasive influence of evil sure could explain a lot. Maybe exorcisms could help put a dent in some of the problems. At the very least, I must always pray when I’m with them one-on-one or staying on their land…

        God does love them all so much! At their heart, I feel many, many of these people are good, humble, spiritual, loving folk who are stranded living in a situation that is not. We must pray, indeed.

        Liked by 4 people

        1. Patrick, I have experienced the devastation of alcoholism and substance abuse in my childhood. Too, I have seen its corruptive influence as I worked for years with children who have come from such a family environment. Again and again, I have seen the need for inter-generational healing in families. Some spiritual teachers, wise and learned, have dismissed such a concept of inter-generational demons present in a family line. Well, I think of original sin which continues to travel the family lines down to our own generation and, in a mystery of God’s Wisdom, will continue until the end of time on earth. While the Church does not have a developed official teaching on this, there are many priests who have studied the work of Fr. John Hampsch – and there are others in this field of family healing – and used his suggestions to tend to families in need. Even with a rich prayer life with a person immersed in a sacramental life, there can be generational spirits which plague a family and/or the individuals from a clan. I’ve shared before, my own process of healing involved many a reception of the Sacrament of the Sick, being prayed with and over by individuals with the gift of healing. Such as this brought grace upon grace to be sure. Yet, it was the deliverance experiences, both personal and via Masses for Inter-generational Healing which brought freedom for the dead and the living. Just imagine how an individual with experience and wisdom in deliverance ministry could be of assistance to those in need, on and off the reservations!

          Liked by 5 people

    4. Patrick Daniel, Not to take away from your appreciated comment but the Cheyenne River tribe prefers to be called Lakota(h) rather than Sioux. I know Sioux is commonly used ( as the sign shows) but I’m told it means ‘snake in the grass’ and was originally used to insult. My husband’s mother was born and raised on the Cheyenne River reservation. By God’s good grace she put herself through nursing school and later ran one of the clinics
      ( an off reservation one for Natives).

      Liked by 3 people

      2. Thank you, Kris. I was confused when I arrived because I thought the Lakota were exclusive to the Pine Ridge area south of Rapid and that this community was Cheyenne-Sioux mixed. But then I saw signs for Lakota all over the place. People mistakenly told me it was a different tribe. So among the Sioux there’s the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota, and just to make things confusing there’s a city called Kadoka.

        I need to find a good resource to learn the history and details about this community if I intend to help, including some of the language. Thank you, Kris. I’m very glad you mentioned this — I don’t want to be an ignoranimous!

        Liked by 3 people

        1. I hesitated to mention it and you probably know far more than me but I learned the hard way. 😕 Among relatives raised on or still on the Rez, it can cause hard feelings. Thanks for your diligent work! May this be the last generation to suffer this plague.

          Liked by 4 people

        2. Patrick et. all,
          When I retired and took my road trip across our Country, two destinations were a must for me: Crazy Horse monument and “the Battle of Little Big Horn” aka Custards last stand. Beyond getting into the politics and supreme stupidity of Custers other General or Commander {his actions still infuriate me} what struck me was the beautiful monument to the Indian Nations, their locations etc.

          The Lenape Tribe was displayed properly being in the West. This tribe I know to originate in an area in Mamaroneck (Westchester County) NY on the north banks of the Long Island Sound. I found it amazing they migrated so far West. The reason: caucasian invasion:)

          A great historical resource I picked up and started to re-read yesterday is: “The Jesuit relations and allied Documents: Travels and explorations of the Jesuit Missionaries in North America 1610-1791” Gold, Ruben; Thwaites and edna edition.

          Another “Saints and Sacvages” about St. Issac Joques story, martydom and travels.

          Liked by 2 people

            1. If you will, I spent about two months on this road trip. West bound on I-70 visiting relatives along the way to San Diego, CA. I toured the PCH Pacific Coast Higheay & 101 north to the Forks in Washington State. Then Eastbound on I-90 back home to return just in time for ‘Track Season’ in Saratoga Springs.

              I took roadtrips here and there finding those quaint little known places only locals know by… asking them:) I found they are quite forthright and proud of their home and provide great feedback. Since I have family in Denver, San Diego, Sacramento it was a great journey. One which I hope to replicate soon. One of my favorite spots was in Lake Tahoe: a small mountain lake at 8,000 feet with snow still on the trail (middle of august). I thought I was going to die but my heart rate moniter displayed an even 104 bpm. It was the altitude.

              Another gem: When I drove into Washington State (that bridge is scary) it was at twilight. I figured I’d find somewhere to rest my head. Nothing. It was desolute. So I continued to drive further in (i should have stayed in Eugene, OR) and found myself further and further into the sticks. Finally after discussing my predicament with local Washington Police (got pulled over) I found myself at another small town police station in Aberdeen, Washington (hometown of Kurt Cobain). As I’m talking to another local cop (he advised to travel to Olympia for the next available hotel) I looked up at the monsoon type rain breeze swaying the cedar and spruce limbs commenting on the upcoming storm. He said “no storm, that’s normal. That’s how it is here”
              My dumbfounded remark and suitable expression “.{%*€#¥£!}..and you live here!?”
              Everybody loves a New Yorker…

              Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks, Jen. Just yesterday I switched over to the master’s program because the doctoral requirements were weighing me down badly (and unnecessarily). Won’t effect the outcome though, I’ll still be an NP. Thank you for the prayers….I really do need them. This is becoming the most challenging three months I’ve had to date. P

        Liked by 3 people

    6. Patrick, I deeply appreciate your respectful work with the people on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation.

      I am a member of the Chinook Indian Nation ~ the tribe that kept Lewis & Clark and their party alive during the winter of 1805-06 after they arrived at the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington. That’s a whole long story.

      My twin is the grant writer for the Chinook Indian Nation (we talk A LOT about all of these things). I have often thought that part of the Rescue will be “restoration that does no harm” ~ setting aright the many wrongs done to the American Indians during the colonization and westward expansion of America.

      I have two holy cards of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha in a prominent place here. I had not heard of Nicholas Black Elk until now, but I will ask for his intercession.

      Blessings, friends.
      Sister Bear

      Liked by 3 people

  8. I like the Patton “salty” version, Charlie. That was my first real laugh today! I am tired of the roller coaster of feelings day after day. I want to scream at these wayword, subversive bishops, etc., “It’s homosexuality in the Church, get it?” But of course, they know it. Some may be converted (by the “warning”, etc.), but some will not be because they have sold out to evil and intended to ruin the Church. That’s why they’re in the Church. As I write this, I feel tears starting, b/c it seems so overwhelming. Maybe it’s harder for those of us who have lost the Church we knew as young people. Thank you that I can share these things with you in our little family here. Sorry to sound discouraged. I’ve lived a long time, and have never seen our country or Church in this condition. I know there’s victory, but please, Lord, give me strength, motivation, and perserverence. Thank you for your Mama!!

    Liked by 16 people

    2. Annie, I hear you; I also lament the loss of the Church of my very early youth (I was baptized in 1975 at the age of 7; but since I lived in a small town in Michigan, the nuttiness didn’t hit us until the late ’70s). Regarding the priests and bishops who have sold out the Church, I pray for their conversions. But I also remember the thundering declaration of a wise elderly priest who gave a Lenten mission at our parish almost 2 decades ago: “The floor of Hell is littered with the bones of bishops and priests.” Regarding prayers for strength, motivation, and perseverance, I pray along with you for you, for myself, for all of us at TNRS-ASOH, and for all people of good will.

      Liked by 6 people

  9. Nice rant Charlie.

    I prefer to believe God is showing us the deceptions we have our faith in and making us choose. With humility, hopefully, we make the right choice. Kavannaugh’s vote should go on scheduled (thursday),

    “Mass attendance is going to take a huge hit in the next few months.”

    So be it. I goto mass to receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus, forever merging myself with Him. I go to mass for the Sacrament of Healing in Confession, and of late praying the Stations of the Cross immediately after confession or reception of the Eucharist, to gain a Plenary Indulgence of my sins punishment.

    I am hoping I have the courage to proclaim my love for the Church announcing the above remarks. People need to wake up and realize what “the mass” truly is.

    Things, as you state are heating up… in my area we host a lot of retiree’s, both police and military. Yesterday, I had breakfast with a retired Navy Seal, today with a EOD Canine Airborne. It was reassuring to meet, assess our situation together and depart knowing you have a new Brother nearby. As stated elsewhere… we were born for these times.

    Alleluia!

    Cheers!

    Liked by 10 people

    1. I love the Catholic Church, warts and all. I love the fact that we can go to a Catholic Church anywhere in the world and, whether or not we know the language, understand exactly what is happening when the priest raises the bread and wine to become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord.

      There is comfort in the knowledge that God always leaves a remnant. My heart and soul overflow with gratitude that God has allowed me to be among His remnant Church (as well as those on this board) because I will never, ever leave our Church. Where else would we go? Where else would we find the Eucharist? It exists only where Jesus left it, with us.

      Our Lord and Our Mother will help us through this terrible trial. Once purified, we will rise from the ashes and the Church will again take her rightful place in the world. Until the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mother, some of us must be a beacon of hope to others even on the days we feel desolate.

      While not directly tied to the crisis in the Church, the Kavanaugh situation is one that plunged me into temporary desolation, but I turned to the Father and (after whining for a bit), He reminded me to trust him with the heart of a child, so I did and the desolation fled as quickly as it came.

      Forgive my lack of polish, but I feel the need to chime in because my heart is so full of love and gratitude to God and this seems an appropriate and welcoming place to share such sentiments.

      Liked by 15 people

      2. We’re glad to have you, Cindy. Ha! When I did traditional media work, I would not work for religious stations, because I didn’t want to preach to the choir. But in my political and cultural show, I talked a LOT about religion. Now I have a religious site – and I talk a lot about politics and culture. And in every case, I’ve always welcomed people of good will to join a sometimes spirited, but good-hearted discussion. Glad you find our little spot amenable.

        Liked by 7 people

        1. Today’s email reflection in the 54 day Novena: Vince Lombardi.
          https://www.novenaforournation.com

          SUPERIOR IDEAL

          Among the ways we have just let Coach Vince Lombardi inspire us, let’s focus on the most important one: He went to Mass and received Communion every day of his life. Pope John Paul II said the Holy Eucharist “contains the Church’s entire spiritual wealth: Christ Himself.”

          Precisely during a time when our culture was becoming disconnected from their True Source, Vince Lombardi remained firmly and wholly connected to his. No matter what Lombardi dedicated himself to, he never abandoned his true self as a child of God and devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. More than anything, he understood the necessity of receiving God’s Divine Life, as he brought himself, daily, to the altar of our Lord to receive him – body, blood, soul, and divinity – as the real source of power in his life. This was where his energy, his very life came from. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen once said, “As a man must be born before he can begin to lead his physical life, so he must be born to lead a Divine Life. That birth occurs in the Sacrament of Baptism. To survive, he must be nourished by Divine Life; that is done in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.”

          There is no other authentic way to strive for perfection. Lombardi recognized this as the superior ideal that must never be abandoned, but interwoven into all of our pursuits, whether it is as a businessman or parent or professor or coach.

          Vince Lombardi lived profoundly by God at the exact time our culture was unraveling and when it was all too easy to abandon God (as it continues to be today). How easy it was (and is) for so many to follow the crowd through the wide gate (Mt 7:13) of the many fads and trends of immorality, self-gratification, and anti-authority in the 1960s and up to today. Lombardi is yet another reminder that the real heroes of every age are those brave souls who courageously accept the challenge of integrity by ignoring the trends of their times while remaining true to themselves, even if it means being a signum cui contradicetur, a sign of contradiction, in the world (Lk 2:34).

          Liked by 6 people

        2. Charlie, it is overwhelming you would respond to my little comment. I have followed you for years and you have given me hope and maybe a little courage. Truly, honored and humbled.

          Liked by 2 people

      3. Chiming in with a welcome, Cindy, to your comment and to your place at this table of faith-filled kids sharing, praying, and laughing our way through these incredible times.

        Liked by 6 people

  10. Excellent post, Charlie. Regarding Judge Kavanaugh, I am disgusted by and angry about what the left is doing to him; but, sadly, I’m not surprised. It is remarkable and mind-blowing, though, the depths of depravity to which they have sunk. God save the Republic.

    Liked by 8 people

    2. The last part of today 1st reading at mass struck a cord with me. First the quote then in the entirety:
      1 Corinthians 13:11-13

      11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways.
      12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood.
      13 So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

      *******

      Catholic Study Bible

      1 Corinthians 12:31-13:1-13

      31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

      1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

      2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

      3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
      4 Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful;

      5 it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

      6 it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right.

      7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

      8 Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

      9 For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect;

      1 Corinthians 13:11-13

      11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways.

      12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood.

      13 So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
      *******
      I thought this last verse 1 Cor 13:11-13 said a lot where we are and what is going on.

      Liked by 2 people

  11. Dear Charlie:

    I love it! I too am hoping and praying that we can somehow hang onto the revolt that started with Trumps election. I have also lost faith in Pope Francis.

    Keep it up, you are a sign of hope to me and all my cronies here in West Texas!

    Love in Christ and Mary Judy

    >

    Liked by 3 people

  12. Thank you Charlie! Much needed!!!

    Here to give you good news! Perhaps its because summer vacations are over…but the masses in my parish seem to be fuller. Still lower than 10 years ago but fuller than this past year.

    I like to think it is because our Parish priest is fired up and speaks awesome homilies in truth!

    Praise God for father Steve and all His holy priests and religious!

    Thanks to all here!

    Liked by 5 people

  13. If anything, the things happening in the Church now should strengthen our faith! LaSalette, Akita, Good Success, Fatima all predicted this would happen in the Church and it was all true. Our God is not a hidden God, he told us this would happen (thru Mary) and it did…is. WOW.! Just a side note, I think people are leaving because of the corruption not because of the sins of a minority of priests. We all sin, but when that sin is sanctioned/ignored by a corrupt elite then people get fed up, no? Was it here I read about the “Bad Cop” analogy. Bad cops happen, but when bad cops get away with it because of corruption that’s a big problem.

    While on the subject, can I ask for some prayers for my cousin who, because of this non sense, is leaving the Catholic faith for the…ugh…Episcopalians. His name is Michael Hickey. I would like the Blessed Mother to soften him up with your prayers before I confront him. Also pray for me that I don’t lose my very bad Irish temper when I talk to him. Thank you and God Bless

    Liked by 7 people

    1. Very on point, Teddy. Corruption is always with us…the heirs of Judas will always set up shop in our midst. But the systematization and normalization is intolerable. God easily forgives the sins of appetite and weakness, but when you presume to pronounce what God calls sin to be no sin at all, you assault the throne. You commit the sin of the angels (the fallen ones) and your peril is dire.

      Praying for both you and your cousin. Make your case with calm charity. He will see for himself that the grass is not greener there. If you have planted a seed in him rather than salted the earth around him, he will remember and rejoice in God’s time, not yours.

      Liked by 5 people

    4. Teddy, I will pray for Michael and for you. I also have one of those Irish tempers of which you speak, and I know what a cross it can be for me and for those around me.

      Liked by 3 people

  14. Well, Charlie…don’t hold back, why not tell us what is really on your mind..ha. Excellent post, as satan is very much showing his teeth. Good to know where your enemy is, helps in preparation. My pop was a military historian, I sure wish he was here today to let me know what comes next. However, I think we all very much can guess. They win and all hell brakes loose, or they loose and all hell brakes loose. Anyway you toss it, it will not be pretty. As for Mr. Kavanaugh, he seems very stable and I pray that his Guardian Angel is with him through it all. We can see through is sham. It is tragic, however, our Blessed Mother is right there with St. Michael, and someone will reap the reward of their presence. Let’s hope it will be Mr Kavanaugh and his family! We are entering a very distressing time. Let’s all pray for the President and his family. I saw a clip today where Mad Max Waters was call for people to “Take him out.” Isn’t that against the law (oh, I forgot…they don’t believe in the law), not ours anyway.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Ha, robill, your summary that whatever happens, all hell breaks loose, is right on target, I think. As passions get inflamed, the key is not to insist that God is on our side, but to endeavor with all our heart, mind and soul to be on His side. For He will prevail against all the errors of our benighted age – including mine and yours.

      Liked by 9 people

  15. Just a thought, Teddy, etc.

    Perhaps the unification of the faith will be by former Catholics who have joined other congregations and when they return they will bring the rest with them!

    I stay cordial with all former Catholics in my circle of acquaintances. I want them to know they have a friend when they return. It isn’t easy, how can they leave our Eucharistic Lord?!!!

    I just recall the Lord’s words “forgive them, they know not what they do”

    Only by the grace of God that I have stayed in the Faith and finally learned the truths of the faith that I failed to learn in CCD and even not fully in RCIA. God is good always!

    Liked by 5 people

    1. perhaps Protestant faithful and Catholic faithful can save each other
      and they will pray that their unity may one day be restored
      and they’ll know we are Christians by our Love… as the song goes.

      Liked by 5 people

  16. As I’ve said before, I do so appreciate these straight talk short takes. I’m beyond frustrated that truth and plain talk have been all but destroyed. I can handle news- good or bad- as long as you tell me true. No spin, no lies. Perhaps I am causing the pendulum to swing too far the other way with what I am about to relate but today I am crabby… My youngest daughter had surgery a week ago to remove a tumor on her adrenal gland. She is a bacteriologist working in research (translation: she is no dummy). She found the problem on her own (translation: doctors said the scan was clear- it wasn’t). Against her judgement, they talked her into removing both gland and tumor. The gland turned out to be clear. ( I realized hindsight is 20/20). During surgery a small metal clip was lost inside her and left inside her. (I realize things happen- I appreciate that they told us). Since surgery she has had a sharp stabbing pain in her shoulder blade/lung area. Breathing is painful. At her appointment today the lung X-ray showed nothing. My daughter is very gentle and soft spoken but she did push for an answer. The doctor was annoyed and told her it was a “ perfect surgery”.
    Really!?
    This is a very selfish rant especially considering the state of the world and all that Charlie wrote about but it represents the everyday lies and elitism that the ordinary man is sick of.

    Liked by 12 people

    1. You are right on, Kris. I am sick of people who do incompetent things sneering at normal folks who dare challenge their error. They have a big come-uppance ahead. So, we all need to endeavor not to be counted among them.

      Liked by 5 people

      1. The Serenity Prayer comes to mind:
        God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
        Courage to change the things I can,
        And wisdom to know the difference.

        Liked by 5 people

      2. Hey Charlie, just an observation here but it seems you’re more engaged in this thread than usual. I’m (we’re) glad to know you are feeling up to it and have enough leisure time to be here. Sincere thanks for everything.

        Liked by 5 people

    5. Kris, I beg to disagree with you: your rant was anything but selfish. It reveals your righteous indignation over the incompetence and arrogance of medical professionals who think they’re better and smarter than your daughter. A metal clip may be a little thing, but it’s rocking your daughter’s world in a serious way–and all because some doctors are boneheads. I will pray for her, that some solution be found to relieve her; and I will pray for her doctors, that they get a clue and some humility.

      Liked by 7 people

    6. Kris,

      Your daughter must seek a second and even third opinion until some good doctor addresses the situation with a full investigation. The clip may not be in the lung area. Also, although insurance companies don’t like to pay for MRIs, your daughter should insist on one (although a metal clip should be detected by an X-ray — maybe they need to take X-rays beyond the lung area.

      I had a doctor tell me I needed to have my entire colon removed (and thus live with a stoma). Luckily the doctor who performed the surgery did a colon resection and I have had ten years of perfect health in that area. Doing my own research after the surgery, I sound that anti-inflammants can retard certain type of polyps. I asked my doctor about this and he agreed — but he never volunteered to offer the information. When you go to a doctor, do research and ask questions. Some of them may not like it but we are the paying customers in these situations.

      I had a total knee surgery that left me with pain. I had several followups with the a supremely confident surgeon who could find nothing wrong. Finally, he checked the movement in my knee, saw that it was too loose and apologized. He said that inserting a thicker piece of plastic would solve the problem (In other a “shim”). I got a second opinion and was told that the entire knee had to be totally replaced. I opted to live with things as they were and after three years find the discomfort tolerable.

      I will pray for you daughter that she finds healing and relief.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. An X-ray was taken while my daughter was still in surgery. They could see the clip but couldn’t find it. (?!) The surgeon said he looked for it longer than it took to do the surgery. He admitted they placed my daughter in precarious positions without cushion protection to get the X-ray. Is it the clip? Did they do nerve damage looking for it? Is it muscle related from positioning her for the X-ray? She is a tough gal but a week out the pain is still sharp and unrelenting. She can only take shallow breaths and is concerned about becoming reliant on the pain pills. Sometimes the pain radiates up and down the spine. She asked another doctor on her case but she deferred back to the surgeon. Might need to go for a third opinion. Kind of hoping someone here might have additional ideas. Thanks for caring.

        Liked by 4 people

        1. Kris,

          Do some research on who the best doctors are in this particular discipline. Research their competence and their bedside manner. Read the reviews that their patients have posted.Go to someone totally unaffiliated with the doctor and his associates who performed the original surgery. If you live in a rural area where there are few doctors then go to the nearest big city near you. If the original team left an apparatus inside your daughter, then I would consider contacting a reputable malpractice lawyer. I absolutely hate the idea of lawsuits and have never sued anyone in my life. But when it’s a question of your daughter’s health, I think you’re perfectly justified in seeking a lawyer’s advice. But first see a doctor from another practice. Again, do your research.

          Liked by 2 people

          1. Alleluia! My daughter went through a bit of a marathon night but she appears to have turned a corner. The stabbing pain has been reduced to an ache and she can breathe deeper before it turns into a sharp pain. Praise God and thank you to all who prayed for her. The satan likes to try to bring me to despair by attacking my kids. He will not win! Our Good God wins!!

            Liked by 2 people

  17. Hey, everybody, a TNRS-ASOH’er from the Archdiocese of Atlanta has asked me to post a situation/question/request for advice. She’d do it herself except that she’s having some technical issues. Here’s her message:

    * * * * * * * *

    Dear ASOH friends,

    Hello and blessings to all of you. My name is Mary and I have been reading Charlie’s blog since the days of Abraham’s Journey (seems like forever ago). I never comment because I always believe you all have said what I would say and I would just be piling on; redundant comments if you will.

    I am an active Catholic here in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. We have our own bishop problem but it very rarely makes the news. Our bishop is originally from Chicago and was a protégé of Cardinal Bernadin.

    Two years ago I discovered that a parish in our diocese was “gay friendly” and was supported by our bishop. Sadly, they march in the parade with the parish banner, bringing in dissident groups to give retreats, etc. so it proved to be all too true. We have written letters to no avail. Today I just discovered that Fr. Martin, SJ will be speaking at said diocese in October. Our bishop is very quiet and usually flies under the radar. We had a petition sent to him with over 3,000 local signatures asking him to remove the gay promotion aspect out of this parish. Again, no answer.

    My question is would it be appropriate to protest this in a public way? I have a sense that this whole situation is a “Rubicon” moment.

    I would appreciate your advice and ideas. Our pastor is very good, but has a wait and see mentality. Do any of you all have a feeling that this is worth acting on? What would any of you all do? Any ideas would be so greatly appreciated.

    Liked by 7 people

    1. It’s been my experience that some Bishops don’t respond to petitions. They respond to phone calls and personal letters/cards and personal visits. When we were going through a challenge in my hometown parish, i sent a card to the Bishop assuring him that i was praying for him to receive God’s wisdom to make the right decision. I offered my prayers and sacrifices for this. He responded with a hand-written thank you note. Later, his decision was not, by any means, what i asked for or had hoped yet God’s will is accomplished in all things.

      Pray, Mary. Then take YOUR next right step. It may seem as if you’re trying to throw a feather against the wind but there is merit in throwing it anyway.

      Liked by 5 people

    2. Hi Mary,

      I hate to give advice when I’m too far away to “Ride to the Sound of Guns”
      Ya can’t do it alone and Ya need a group of Social Networking/Internet Savvy Faithful that can Get the Word Out and gather info & ideas. Voris @ Church Militant put this out today:
      http://thebishopsknew.com/
      I would think that “The Silence Stops Now” organizers would be great places to go for info/ideas. You live in an Area controlled by The Usual Suspects and their “Media” ….. to include your Diocesan “Media” too I expect ;-(
      As Bishop Gregory is from ChiTown and a “disciple” of Cdl Bernadin, there is NO-WAY he does not know of the disgusting mess that is, still, unfolding there. You would think with this unfolding of all the Homosexual Predator Scandals and the malfeasance of Prelates the advancing of The Gay Agenda would quickly/quietly Go-Away. Not so it appears in Atlanta and elsewhere ;-( There is a powerful and evil power involved here and the Perps are arrogant in that power and ignorant of The Power that is about to engulf them.
      I’d be curious to know if Bishop Gregory has uttered, in public, the famous words of Sgt Schultz:

      God Bless, Be Fruitful and Be Careful, Mary!

      GOD SAVE ALL HERE!!

      Liked by 5 people

    3. Some suggestions, Dear Mary…
      *I would not hesitate to form a group, much like a 40 Days for Life effort… a group that would gather in peaceful prayer vigil. Pull out those rosaries with complete trust in Holy Mary’s Maternal Power and allow Our Lady of Victory to work a Lepanto-like result, turning it all over to her for the what and the how of taking next right steps, during and after the prayer vigil. A candlelight event would be easy to do in this autumn season and become a significant symbol of the Easter Vigil when we remember Christ IS the Light of the world and He, on His Cross, has conquered this culture of death and looks to us to co-create a culture of life.

      *Consider reaching out to Joseph Sciambra who has worked tirelessly to inspire Catholics to be silent no more in the face of both priest and lay homosexual activists in the Church who are viciously and violently ramming the boards INSIDE the Barque of Peter. They are enemies of Magisterial teaching on human sexuality and work as a force to sink the ship, come hell or high water! Our silence in the face of their aggressive activity to change the unshakeable doctrine on chaste living is a free pass for homosexual activists to have free reign in promoting this mark of the beast.

      Fr. James Martin and his ilk, including fellow clergy, laity and prelates MUST be stopped. A priest friend who was ordained as a Jesuit and lived the first 10 years of his priestly life as a Jesuit, came out of the order and was incardinated into his diocese. He tells me 50+% of his brother Jesuits are active homosexuals.

      Here’s a link from Joseph’s blog concerning the Atlanta Diocese.

      Liked by 5 people

    5. Mick I am in Atlanta too and have been trying to figure out a proper response. There is a group called Concerned Catholics of Atlanta that are trying to form a group and Church Militant Resistance group. we have to do something. but i am like Mary, i don’t know what would be effective. this leadership is hurting so many people….it’s heresy.

      Liked by 2 people

  18. Again great post Charlie. I have to say there are so many great comments at ASOH that no time spent here is wasted.
    I’m reminded by Beckita Bisquits that failing to recognize the Eucharistic Jesus is the cause for so much suffering amongst our Catholic brothers and sisters who need him to endure this current persecution. (Political and ecclesial.) We are living a John 6:6 moment. The Church is one,holy, catholic, and apostolic. This saying is not “too hard “ but is Truth. We must embrace it. Where else will we go?

    Liked by 6 people

  19. Unfortunately I feel like Pope Francis is teetering on the edge of going right off the deep end. Early in his Papacy i feel like he said many profound things about mercy and spirituality and i always learned something when i read his homilies. I still quote his statement about the dangers of false mercy and of lack of mercy, and I kind of brushed off some of his more obnoxious words about the Latin Mass etc as “off the cuff”. But now that so many of his political allies are proving themselves to be thoroughly corrupt, clueless and predatory he seems to be intent on going down with their ship.

    In my view, and perhaps I’m wrong or don’t have all the information, but I just can’t see how covering the crimes of dissident and predatory bishops is mercy by any definition. It’s one thing to be a person of good will and fail to live chastity because of weakness and temptation, but it’s another to reject it entirely and attempt to subvert the entire church to assuage your own conscience. I guess it’s predictable, though. Joseph Sciambra, a man who was once deep in the worst kind of promiscuous gay lifestyle and has since repented explained it in his book. He said “tolerance” of their lifestyle is never enough for those in the depths of it. They will not, cannot, rest until it is accepted and praised 100% by everyone because ANY opposition to their ideology and lifestyle threatens it completely. Any light threatens the greatest darkness. And there is no doubt that many in positions of power in the Church are not struggling gay men trying to be chaste or just wanting monogamous “love”, they are men who revel in the worst kinds of homosexual promiscuity and will fight to the death for its complete acceptance.

    Also, calling whistleblowers “satanic accusers” is just plain bizarre. I always thought that a Satanic accusation needs to be false to be Satanic. An accusation that reveals a truth is, well, truth and is perfectly appropriate if it concerns the church organization. (As opposed to a truth revealed in malice that doesn’t need to be revealed). Also, i saw the video of the Pope flat out denying trying to influence a sex abuse case in Buenos Aires, when the document sent to their courts to influence the case has his name right on it. Wow. It’s just sad and crazy.

    Liked by 7 people

    1. All true and tragic, Lake, real and raw. Joseph Sciambria continues to work tirelessly to raise consciousness about what is at stake and to encourage people to become part of the solution which shuts down the practice of allowing Church platforms to be utilized by homosexual activists to promote their demonic efforts to rewrite unchangeable doctrine on homosexual acts.

      For anyone who may be searching for a next right step in these times, a step you can accomplish quite comfortably from your home, with complete flexibility for time commitment, please consider following Joseph Sciambra as he reports on the devious attempts of homosexual activists to take down Magisterial teaching in regards to living chastely. He ends his reports with contact info which makes it quite easy to follow through on speaking truth to those in power. The link to Joseph’s site: http://josephsciambra.com/ Praying for his work and protection.

      Liked by 4 people

  20. With so many things to comment on, with so many swamps to drain, I leave you with the following picture of our baby Grace, who is now 2 1/2 months old and her older brother Nate.

    Liked by 15 people

    2. John and Sarah, what beautiful children! And I love the pictures of the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart in the background… we have the very same pictures in our home. 🙂

      Looks like a wood burner in the back left corner. What kind do you have?

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I know, I love those pictures, too! John bought me the Sacred Heart one as a gift one year from the shop in our church basement. I always loved that picture, then I found a poster of the Immaculate Heart to match and he got me that for Christmas that year. Painted the frames to match, and we’re good!

        Yes, that’s a woodstove in the corner. 🙂 We are planning on doing stone up the walls behind, hence the cement board. 🙂 It’s an Earth Stove 1003c. We weren’t going to install it in the new house when we built it, but we decided last year to put it in, and we are so glad we did. It’s so nice to be warm!

        Through Jesus and Mary,
        Sarah

        Liked by 4 people

      2. Thank you, BTW, for your sweet compliment on our children. But, I shouldn’t speak, too quickly as John is posting a funny picture he just came across of our goofy girls! 🙂 It’s a joy to share the community here, and have a little fun to lighten the mood and brighten the day. 🙂

        God Bless,
        Sarah

        Liked by 3 people

    8. Here is the answer to what ails us. Every person in the world should stop what their doing right now and go find a baby to hold. It may not appear that baby is hugging big brother back, but I say it is indeed a hug of pure innocence and trust. Yep, this would fix it.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I couldn’t agree with you more, MP. My baby is 5 now, but she’s a little peanut (most people think she’s 3); and a hug from her sets everything right even on the worst days. 🙂

        Liked by 3 people

  21. I ask for prayers as I pray for all concerns raised. It seems as if all the fiery darts of the enemy are hitting the mark. (Eph 6:16). Our faith is our shield but in a dream last night, I heard the enemy laugh and say, “I hit her close to her heart.” Last month, a co-worker was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. I guess my mind is processing this and the Lord allowed me to see it for what it is. Sometimes the strikes don’t kill us but can discourage us to continue on with joy. The devil is certainly a thief, trying to steal mine. Thanks in advance for your prayers. You can count on the prayers of this wounded warrior for Christ. Peace and blessings.

    Liked by 9 people

  22. Charlie,
    Your comments regarding the justice system are dead on. It has been my contention for some time now that the justice system is an “injustice system.”

    In New York we have Town Justices, who are not quite the same thing as the old Justice of the Peace. Justices were traditionally laymen who had no formal legal training and this was reflected in the fact that they did not wear judicial robes. Now, the justices wear robes and even write judicial opinions, if they are inclined. This is a problem as the Justices receive minimal legal training, and most never went to law school. Unlike attorneys and actual judges, they do not have to go for formal continuing legal education. But these are all minor problems.

    The old Justices rarely had court clerks, would do things at the convenience of their neighbors and handled things in a very informal matter. Now, everything has become a paperwork system. So, if a person has a judgment against them issued in the Town Court, and the person pays the judgment, and has written proof (Receipts, signed releases) it is no longer adequate to prevent garnishment of your wages if you show you have paid the bill. At the County Court level, we can apply for a stay or an injunction, but at the Justice level, these will not work and you need to have a petition from the judgment creditor to obtain a stay! In the meantime the garnishment of your wages kicks in – try getting your money back – you have to spend more to do so, it ultimately becomes something the working poor are forced to write off. This is ironic, in lights of all the efforts of the judiciary and attorneys to simplify the procedures in the last 50 years.

    It is interesting to note that a judgement creditor can file a judgment with very little evidence, but the process to undo a wrongful judgment is incredibly time consuming – I once dealt with a person who had thirty (30!) credit card claims for judgments about ten years ago – I managed to dismiss all but one as the Credit Card Company had already been paid for!

    I agree Charlie, more and more, what is called “procedural due process” corrupts the trial court system. A very real and practical problem is often the inability to bring people to trial for crimes they have been charged with. So, the result is the increasing use of involuntary pre-trial imprisonment, which is becoming increasingly common. Then, after the time allowed for such incarcerations has passed, the defense attorney (who is often in on the “game”) files a motion fo the release, announcing the horrible injustice of no speedy trial, blah, blah, blah, and the individual is released. Or, where there is a trial, they get out very quickly for “time served” in the pre-trial incarceration.

    The cost to do a civil trial is very costly. It is not so much the filing fees, but the attorney fees. As an attorney, I have to get paid, and the amount of time to invest means a lot of money. The more experienced the attorney, the more they charge. No ordinary lawyer can afford to subsidize his clients, and so, more and more pro-se litigants are entering the system. More confusion results, and, all too often, I have seen wily attorneys take advantage of such people. After all, you get a free do-gooder lawyer if you are a certain socio-economic level, but the working poor, or the lower middle class (known as ALICE – asset limited, low constrained, employed) – well there is no free lawyer or social justice warrior attorney to help them, so they too often flounder and suffer, or go represent themselves (Pro-se), with the negative consequences in most cases.

    Family Court is a hot mess, and the best way to avoid is is not to have child out of wedlock and/or not get divorced. Double standards appear all over the Court system, and many of hte orignary people have, yes, lost faith in the legal system an well in law enforcement.

    Sorry to bable. Too many thoughts to effectivley edit while working.

    Liked by 4 people

  23. Is there a Jesus Seat and who occupies it and what does it mean for us?

    Jesus may have left us a hard direction and a hard example of what we are to do and how we are to react to the crisis of the hierarchy.

    Here is what Jesus taught his disciples about how to interact with those who occupied the Moses Seat in the Synagogues of his time in the first century:

    Matthew 23

    Denunciation of the Scribes and Pharisees.

    1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples,

    2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.

    3 Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.

    4 They tie up heavy burdens* [hard to carry] and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.

    5 All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

    6 They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,

    7 greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’

    8 As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.

    9 Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.

    10 Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Messiah.

    It’s about verse 3 above. Does this make sense? And what about this Moses Seat that Jesus refers to?

    Turns out there WAS a Moses Seat in every Synagogue in Jesus’ day. That seat was a visible symbol of the authority which God conferred on the Levitical Priesthood. That Priesthood is the template for our Justice system to this day.

    http://answerethamatter.org/biblical_articles/articles/the_seatofmoses.htm

    “This seat is where Moses sat to judge the people, but this was too much for one man to do (Ex. 18:18). Jethro then gave Moses advice to avoid growing weary of dealing with all the people. His suggestion was to, “provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens” (Ex. 18:21). This is the beginnings of the Levitical Priesthood, who was to judge the people of Israel.

    These men sat in “Moses seat” throughout the land to judge the people with God’s law. As Israel grew, there was greater need for more than just Moses to sit in judgment, which is why others were chosen. Moses sat in judgment in the Tabernacle of God to judge “great matters” (Ex. 18:22) and “hard causes” (Ex. 18:26), but the others sat in “Moses seat” throughout the land in smaller “tabernacles” so to say to judge “small matters” (Ex. 18:22, 26).

    So the tabernacle was a tiered system of judgment. The highest seat was that of Moses at the Tabernacle of God, but there were several lower seats for, “rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens” (Ex. 18:25). These lower seats sat in judgment for smaller matters, but the great matters were reserved for the Tabernacle with Moses judgment. This system was also used during the time of the Messiah. The High Priest occupied Moses seat in the Temple of God, but there were lesser seats of Moses throughout the land that other Priests sat in judgment.

    First, we need to realize that this seat was not a teaching seat. It was a judgment seat (Ex. 18:16).

    It might be true that the Priest’s taught from this seat, but it’s primary purpose was that of judgment at trial. This is the seat where the Levites construed the law of God. We need to remember that the Levitical Priesthood is what we would call today the Judicial System. Our Judicial System comes directly from the Levitical Priesthood of the scriptures. Just as our Judicial System construes the law of the United States, so did the Levitical Priesthood construe the law of God.”

    So, the question is: Did Jesus create a Jesus Seat when he instituted the Church and did Peter sit on this “rock”? And do his successors down to Pope Francis continue to occupy that Jesus Seat to this day? Do we not lean to the answer YES?

    Jesus himself submitted himself to this Judgement authority described in Exodus and Leviticus. He submitted not only to Jewish Levitical Priesthood but also to the temporal authority of Pontius Pilate. t

    John 19 10:11

    “10 So Pilate said to him, “Do you not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you and I have power to crucify you?”

    11 Jesus answered [him], “You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above. For this reason the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”

    Jesus submitted to the Judgment Authority of Caiphas, the occupier of the Moses Seat in the Temple. And to the Chief Priests and Scribes and the Pharisees assembled at his trial before the Sanhedrin. Jesus submitted to the Judgement Authority of Pilate.

    He mounted Calvary and the Cross according to that submission. Bad guys with bad motives. Corrupt Judgement by men with Authority from above. He submitted. Unto death. Man, that is tough to accept.

    There is no doubt that Jesus challenged the corruption. He remained steadfast until the end. He never abandoned the Truth about himself or about them. He told Truth to Power.

    This is a hard lesson and a hard example to follow in our day confronting our own set of corrupt High Priests and Scribes. Pope Francis occupies the Jesus Seat in Rome. The Cardinals, the Archbishops, The Bishops, The Pastors are the rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens in the Levitical Priesthood.

    Jesus seems to have adopted the position that it was not his role to condemn Caiphas and Pilate and the Sanhedrin. It was their role to condemn him.

    We can see how different it would have been for us if our innocent Lord and Savior reversed roles. No cross. No Resurrection. No Redemption. No forgiveness of sins.

    In my view, it is not our role to condemn Pope Francis and the Hierarchy and the Clergy. It is their role to Judge us from the Jesus Seat by the authority given to them from above. God help them.

    Having said that we need to possess the courage of Christ to speak Truth to That Power. To rebuke it and not shrink from the Truth. If there is to be a split in the Church it must flow from a condemnation of the people by the occupiers of the Jesus Seat. Not the other way around.

    The treatment of Archbishop Vigano and the others calling out the corruption in the Hierarchy is not a good sign of what is to come. The question is how long the Hierarchy will tolerate the Light of the Truth revealing the depth of the corruption without dealing with the threat that represents to them. In a way that will not be totally unlike the way Caiphas, the Sanhedrin and Pilate dealt with Jesus. The Truth burns and the Truth convicts.

    We may be looking at our own Calvary and Cross in the days ahead.

    Time to pick up our cross and take a walk with Jesus.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Ed, do you remember ever hearing about Ron Wyatt and his discovery of the Ark of the Covenant? I can’t guarantee the veracity of any part of his story but I am fascinated in particular about the Mercy Seat account.

      Here is a little taste:
      Ron Wyatt noticed a dried, black substance in an earthquake crack in the roof, above the Ark of the Covenant. He noticed that this black substance was also on the lid of the cracked stone casing. Obviously, this substance had dripped from the crack in the roof, and provision had been made for it to land on the Ark of the Covenant, as the stone lid had been cracked and moved aside. Ron Wyatt wondered what substance could be so sacred, that God made provision for it to land on the Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant. He remembered the earthquake crack at the foot of the cross hole, and suddenly an awesome realisation as to what had happened, came over him. Ron Wyatt traced the earthquake crack, and indeed it was the same crack as the one at the cross hole. The dried black substance in the crack was tested and proved to be blood, apparently the blood of Jesus Christ. The Bible says that when Jesus died there was an earthquake and the rocks were rent (Matt. 27:51). A Roman soldier speared Christ in His side in order to make sure He was dead, and blood and water poured out (John 19:34). Ron Wyatt discovered that this same blood and water poured down through the earthquake crack and fell upon the Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant.

      And here is the link:
      http://www.covenantkeepers.co.uk/

      Feel like another trip to the Holy Land?

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Karen thanks for your reply.

        I confess I never heard of the expression Mercy Seat until reading your reply above. I googled it. It refers to the golden lid of the Ark of the Covenant. Upon the top of the lid there was a pair of Cherubim angels of gold. It is said that God appeared on the lid between the two Cherubim during certain feasts.

        Also, I confess I have never heard of this man Ron Wyatt. He has an amazing story to be sure.

        I have heard of Gordon’s Garden Tomb where Wyatt claimed he discovered the Ark of the Covenant lying in a chamber underneath the Skull of the Rock. You can google it. The pictures are impressive.

        Not far away is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which our tour visited. They like to talk percentages in the Holy Land. “Well, we’re 80% sure this is where Peter’s boat docked”…. etc. etc. etc.

        When they talk about the Church of the Holy Sepulchre they use the percentage 100%. “We are 100% sure this is where Jesus was crucified and was buried.” The place of crucifixion and the tomb are in the same physical space within the Church. You can descend into the tomb for a very short and crowded visit and you can ascend to the top of Golgotha by way of a narrow and steep stairway. My wife literally had to crawl up the stairs to the top because the steps were too big for her to step up normally. There is an altar at the top where the Cross was. There is a hole in the floor under the altar where pilgrims can reach down and touch the rock itself.

        There are only a few other places they use the 100% figure. One of them is at the Pools of Bethesda. The 5 colonnaded pool referred to in the New Testament where Jesus cured the man sick for 38 years. That Pool was literally in the backyard of Mary’s birthplace. Another is in Bethlehem. The oldest Christian Church is in Bethlehem. The Church of the Nativity. Mt of Olives is another.

        Would I like to go back to the Holy Land? Oh, yes. Ready to go right now. But I went last February. It is not an inexpensive proposition. We went for a week. The experience draws you into a whole new and deeper relationship with Jesus. Anybody who can go should go. The experience of a lifetime.

        I’d like to spend a month there. Or a year. The pilgrimage we took was part tour and part pilgrimage. Lots of sightseeing. On the bus off the bus. Mass every day in the Holy Sites. Renewed our marriage vows at Cana. Some time for prayer and contemplation but not as much as you would like.

        Trust me. It is a transformative experience. It will make you want to learn all you can about the places and times and events and history before during and after the life of Christ on Earth.

        Liked by 3 people

        1. Thank you for your informative reply Ed. I love the 80%/100% reference. We people of faith identify the massaging of facts as “relativism” – a serious failing when speaking of eternal things but some are just hasty when it comes to the possibility of gaining the tourism-edge! My brother-in-law used to say about my husband’s regaling “Why let the truth stand in the way of a good story!” And of course many tourist spots all over the world do tinker (I put it down to over-exuberance and guessing, not malicious lying!) with names, dates and other facts. But I always cringe when I hear of the priestly violence (where the Israeli Police Force are forced to intervene!) at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Come on now – there, of all places and between these people!!! Here is an article of a ladder placed near the top of the Church that soon-to-be-Saint Pope Paul VI said must remain there until the separated brethren become one:

          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immovable_Ladder

          As much as I would love to do overseas pilgrimages, especially to the Holy Land – I don’t even allow myself to dream of it Ed. Having said that I am hopefully always open to what the Lord Himself might have in mind for me – I need to keep my radar polished! My current dream – and there are signs that it could be the Lord’s Will – is a series of road-trip pilgrimages throughout my own big country Australia, visiting all of the out-of-the-way Tabernacles and stocked up with devotional literature to disperse. My non-believing husband wouldn’t be opposed to that.

          I can’t believe that it was February that you spent your week in the Holy Land – it just seems like a couple of months ago. And I know Beckita and Fr Wang (and yes Father John, I remember that we are on a count-down to your 90th birthday in October) are not promoters of ‘The Poem of the Man God’ (now known as the 10 volume set ‘The Gospel as Revealed to Me’) but if Beckita will kindly permit the following link to a tome about the author and her writings:

          Click to access Summa.pdf

          from which is taken the following link containing a 31-page work entitled ‘Maria Valtorta was an Eye-Witness to the First Century Life and Ministry of Our Lord Jesus! Her Numerous Strikingly Accurate Descriptions of First Century Palestine Prove it!’

          Click to access descriptionspoem.pdf

          you will find so many historical and geographical, explanatory references to many places and people at the time of Jesus’ life there.

          Enjoy, Ed.

          Liked by 3 people

  24. The last two nights I have dreamed of wolves. Lots and lots of wolves. Don’t remember details but I am struck by the fact that they are wolf pups, not adults. I could guess at the symbolism of adult wolves but why wolf pups? Anybody?

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Wolves past and wolves at present threatening the flock. Maybe the pups represent the budding generation which could be 7 times more destructive and demoniacal if left wild and unchecked. I’ve got a buddy who raised a brute that’s 3/4 wolf. It’s large now, but as obedient and docile as my trail dogs. Just a thought. Then again, sometimes a wolf pup is just a wolf pup. Any dream that grabs our attention can be a good call to prayer though.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Oh my, Michael Patrick. The only explanation that I could come up with was that the younger generation would be one of wolves. I was hoping someone had a different understanding but you more or less verified my thoughts. Adoration here I come!!

        Liked by 3 people

    2. Dreaming of wolf pups?

      Perhaps you should read a book by Dave Grossman (US Army Col.-ret) “Stop Teaching our Kids to Kill”. Outstanding description of the lives we live now. His other book “On killing” is excellent for any military or police describing (proving) how police are not as tramatized with their kills as those in the military. Grossman’s presentation skills are excelllent and I sat on the edge of my seat in grateful anticipation for over eight hours.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Sean, I used to work at a school for kids who couldn’t stay in the regular system generally due to violent tendencies. I was always amazed that as a reward for good behavior at school, they were taken to an arcade where they played violent video games.

        Liked by 1 person

  25. If a republic is governed by those who are corrupt, unjust, & factional it is not the leaders who are the problem rather it is the people. Eventually the American President will leave office & the ruling party will be overshadowed by the opposition. When this happens the opposition will exact a vengeance upon those who supported the current president & the current ruling party in ways not seen before in any of the former western nations. The current global system of economic & political governance as well as the general social order is based upon American hegemony. Aside from a select few the overall corruption of the American population is near absolute. When Christ first appeared the people of the Roman Empire & the world at large were already exhausted in evil & sin therefore making it possible to receive the graces necessary to convert. In this day however they are preparing to fully embrace evil & sin thus making it impossible for humanity to be open to the grace of God, save for a few chosen by God to live through the cleansing of the Earth. It is rather interesting that the Turkish & Arabic phrase for Europe is Frangistan ( Land of the Franks). We live in the times spoken of in Lasalette, it is highly unlikely God will allow the age of enlightenment & kingdom of satan to continue any further. In & of itself this day is an antithesis to the Kingdom of God in every way possible. It all must go with not so much as even a grain of sand left behind lest the Evil One be granted another opportunity to maintain a stranglehold hold upon the human race.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. The present moment in the world does have a Sodom and Gomorrah feel to it doesn’t it?

      How many just and righteous men remain in the world today?

      One of the most chilling episodes in the New Testament is recorded in Matthew 11 20-24. It recounts Jesus condemning the villages of Chorazim, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. A small area at the tip of the Sea of Galilee. If you draw a straight line connecting these three villages it forms a triangle. This triangle of geography is famously known as the Evangelical Triangle.

      We know of course that Capernaum was Jesus’ base of operations during his 3 year public ministry. Bethsaida was the home of several of the Apostles including Peter, James and John. This was Jesus’ home territory. His base. Of the 28 recorded miracles of Jesus 18 of them occurred inside the Evangelical Triangle. Yet Jesus failed to convert the inhabitants. He had this hard judgement of the place where he lived, recruited his Apostles, and proclaimed the Gospel of Repentance for 3 solid years.

      Matthew 11 20-24

      Reproaches to Unrepentant Towns.

      20 Then he began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented.

      21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon,* they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes.

      22 But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.

      23 And as for you, Capernaum:

      ‘Will you be exalted to heaven?l

      You will go down to the netherworld.’

      For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

      2 But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

      This fate for his Peeps!!!!

      The Pharisees and other citizens of these towns kept bugging Jesus for a sign that he was indeed the Messiah. This despite all of the signs and wonders and miracles he was performing in their midst.

      Jesus grew irritated with this demand for proof. He told them they were only going to get one sign from him. The Sign of Jonah. The resurrection. Jonah spent 3 days in the belly of a fish. Then he went to a Gentile city called Nineveh. Those pagans repented in sack cloth and ashes. Yet here He was performing all kinds of miracles and preaching daily and no repentance in his own home base of the Evangelical Triangle.

      Matthew 12 38-42

      The Demand for a Sign.*

      38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, “Teacher,* we wish to see a sign from you.”

      39 He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful* generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.

      40 Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights,* so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.

      41 At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here.

      42 At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.”

      We know things didn’t go so well for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Today there is nothing left of the villages of the Evangelical Triangle except archeological remains.

      We here in America? We have the example of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the villages of the Evangelical Triangle. We also have the example of Nineveh which repented.

      It’s a time for choosing in America. Will it be Nineveh or Chorazim, Bethsaida and Capernaum for us?
      Do we have the capacity or the will to repent? Or are we too far gone.

      This really is a momentous question.

      Liked by 4 people

    2. R. Sey M.; You do hold and declare some ‘freaky’ interesting comments.

      First, may I ask you to place spacing in between your topical points, it makes for an easier read. Secondly, I am biting my tongue here, I agree with ‘some’ of your statement. Notably, since you posted this on the Feast of Our Lady of La Salette (September 19th)

      “Eventually the American President will leave office & the ruling party will be overshadowed by the opposition. When this happens the opposition will exact a vengeance upon those who supported the current president & the current ruling party in ways not seen before ”

      What do you mean by this last sentence. Since they are communists, are they going to hug n kiss ’em to death because in actions known by the communists are usually to execute their opposition. Further, the American people have had enough. We are tired of the games going on and have quite frankly stocked up on ammo, guns etc.

      This past week has been trying for me (thank you all for your prayers). Commencing on last Thursday (Holy name of Mary) Friday (Exhalation of the cross) Saturday (Our Lady of Sorrows) I was in such mental distress I believe Mother of the Sorrowful Heart lent me hers. Friday is a blur, Saturday I was annointed with the sick. Sunday eased off but still present.

      Then only yesterday, actually around 1415 hrs did I feel a sense of euphoria. Early this morning I awoke with a possible answer: Our Lady of Salette and after daily mass this morning: yesterday was the Jewish Feast Day of Atonement. Quite a weeks worth of sorrow and joy.

      Anyhow, Monday I had breakfast wi a retired navy seal and tuesday lunch with a retired first airborne eod canine handler. This morning I met a retired NHL Ranger, flyer so I don’t know the meaning but suffice to say all had a quiet determination about them. Waiting in grateful anticipation, myself included. If and I say If, the left chooses to deploy they shall be welcomed with open arms confidently holding their guns pointed at the communist, socialist, anarchist direction.

      Our Lady of Salette did speak of ‘the warning’ similar to Garabandal… hymm if only (edited out this phrase… Sean, I missed this when I first cleared the comment, but I will do better in the future… God knows how many of us misstep, so I think it best to forgive and forget some things)

      Cheers. Skol.

      Liked by 2 people

  26. I wish I could present articles that reflected Good News and a turning of a corner on this Multi-Decade Pervert Scandal but …….. Same Ol’ – Same Ol’ …. distract, deny and smear (or worse) victims/objectors ;-(

    Sexual Abuse Survivor Priest Who Burned Rainbow Flag Punished by Chicago Archdiocese
    https://pjmedia.com/faith/sexual-abuse-survivor-priest-who-burned-rainbow-flag-punished-by-chicago-archdiocese/

    ‘Vice Pope’ Says Cardinal McCarrick’s Homosexual Abuse Was a ‘Private Matter’
    https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2018/09/19/vice-pope-says-cardinal-mccarricks-homosexual-abuse-was-a-private-matter/

    SPECIAL REPORT: MURDER IN THE DIOCESE OF BUFFALO?
    https://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/special-report-murder-in-the-diocese-of-buffalo?mc_cid=99d30c7b90&mc_eid=2a0b6c7ef6

    Priest faces trial after alleged assault of San Diego seminarian
    https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/priest-faces-trial-after-alleged-assault-of-san-diego-seminarian-40962

    Brooklyn diocese reaches record $27.5M settlement with four victims of abuse by lay educator
    https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/brooklyn-diocese-reaches-record-27-5m-settlement-four-victims-abuse-n910901

    GOD SAVE ALL HERE!!

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Crew Dog, the story about Father Joe Moreno is, to my fair understanding, true. My friend, the late Father Robert Marino, was convinced that Father Joe was murdered and he had a retired cop detective friend of his come to the same conclusion . Father Joe’s sister discussed this matter with me, publicly.
      Archbishop Vignano knows this is what happens and that is why he is hiding.

      Liked by 3 people

    2. Here is an email I received this morning:

      September 20, 2018

      Dear Family of the Archdiocese of New York:

      Over this difficult summer, I’ve done a lot of listening. Many of you have told me that you are upset, angry, bewildered, and frustrated about the ongoing crisis of sexual abuse in the Church. I am not afraid to say that so am I. This has been a painful period for all Catholics. Some of you may have heard me talk about my own mother, now 90 years old and in assisted living, telling me that she’s embarrassed, as a Catholic, to go into the dining room with her fellow residents.

      Most stinging, though, is hearing, “Cardinal Dolan, we are beginning to lose trust in you bishops.” And without that trust, I don’t have a lot left.

      Yes, since 2002, the Church has made great strides in combating the crime and sin of sexual abuse of minors, especially by “zero tolerance” of any guilty priest, deacon, or bishop, and by reaching out to victim-survivors, who must remain our first concern. I will be announcing some new initiatives today on how to enhance our efforts to protect children as well as vulnerable adults. I will be putting my statement on my blog at http://www.cardinaldolan.org, and I hope you take the time to learn about what we’re doing, and that this becomes a good first step in strengthening that trust. But this brief letter is not meant to defend our record or provide a comprehensive list of programs and abuse prevention efforts. There will be time for that later.

      I just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that, as your archbishop, I am with you, and I am committed to transparency, accountability, and action. That’s what I’ve heard you request.

      Last week, I had the sad duty of celebrating the funeral Mass of a priest of the Archdiocese of New York, who died way-too-soon at the age of 49. There were several dozen priests present, and, as you would probably expect, the Church’s current crisis was a major topic of discussion.

      As the procession made its way down the center aisle at the start of Mass, I was moved and inspired by the huge number of people who were there to pray for the repose of the soul of a man they knew to be a good and faithful priest, and to thank God for the gift of his priesthood. The congregation even stood in a prolonged ovation for him at the end of Mass. “Cardinal Dolan,” the pastor said to me, “The people here loved Father Charlie. They love their faith and their priests. They just want to know that the bishops understand the problem and are acting correctly.”

      A good reminder.

      Might I ask for your prayers — first and foremost for the victim-survivors of abuse, but also for all of our good and faithful priests and deacons who are suffering, and, finally, for me as your archbishop that the Holy Spirit will guide me as, together, we face this current crisis.

      Faithfully in Christ,

      Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan
      Archbishop of New York
      111, New York, NY 10011 • archny.org

      Liked by 2 people

      1. It seems to me that part of his commitment to “transparency, accountability, and action” should be to call this crisis what it is: a problem of homosexuality in the priesthood. This is not simply a problem of the abuse of “minors,” “children,” and “vulnerable adults.” For the love of Pete… you can’t put out a gasoline fire by pouring water on it. How is Cardinal Dolan planning to address the real problem when he won’t even name it?

        Liked by 3 people

          1. I’m glad to see this, Sean. But I notice that in the article, both Cardinal Dolan and the archdiocesan investigator are still discussing this as a problem of the abuse of “young person[s]” and “minors.” I don’t know how they can possibly root out the homosexual abuse if they continue to frame this as a pedophilia issue.

            I hope I’m wrong about this; and I hope that, in private, the Cardinal is asking the archdiocesan investigator to get to the bottom of the true issue. But it seems to me that the Cardinal would very much hearten his flock and take a step toward regaining their lost trust if he were to call a spade a spade.

            Liked by 4 people

  27. Charlie,
    Your comment about “is it just”
    reminds me of the two times I sat on jury duty.
    The system is no longer about justice- it is about law.
    I became painfully aware that as a juror, the “peers” who the defendant is supposed to be judged by, are no more than legal robots left to decide what the “law” allows and not what his peers think. A simple computer program would suffice in this endeavor and the system has become a mockery of what it was intended to be. Not only do they not give the history of the defendant so you can get a character reference of his relation to the crime but they leave out other crucial evidence as “inadmissible” and literally give you two or three “choices” as to what you are allowed to decide based on the law and how it is narrowly applied to this particular charge.
    Case in point: one of the trials I was a juror on, the perp picked up a 28 pound box of marijuana from a house that he had a guy in CA mail to an abandoned address. After the prosecuting lawyer gave us some very good details and a slew of witnesses showing the mans guilt and the defendants lawyer making up some very silly stories as to why his client “may have” not been guilty in an attempt to cause reasonable doubt, we were sent to the jurors chamber to deliberate. For some reason everyone voted me to be the moderator and we were given three choices:
    Not guilty.
    Guilty for possession under so many ounces.
    Guilty for possession under so many ounces.
    Now one of the jurors was an obvious marijuana user and thought it’s use should be legal and that the whole trial was a waist of time. The Little Miss Muffet in our group thought that maybe we should pick the smaller amount charge of “just a few onces” despite the fact he had 28 POUNDS of marijuana because the older gentleman seemed like “such a nice fella”.
    Now for me, given the job of moderator, I had to remind them of the evidence and lead them back to “just the facts ma’am”
    land that we only had three choices and based on what the evidence revealed we had to choose the one which fit the crime so Miss Muffet reluctantly gave in and our 420 friendly guy did too.
    After we rendered our guilty plea of possession over so many ounces the judge pulled out an extensive wrap sheet of the defendants past crimes which included a few sex crimes against women that totally frosted our Miss Muffet! After the judge sentenced our older nice guy he lead us back into the jury chamber to let us ask questions and the like. Miss Muffet had now become the angry social justice warrior on how a guy like that was still walking our streets!
    Of course the judge educated us on the stict rules in place to try criminals and that the law had some fairly narrow parameters set in place for this. Needless to say, we walked out of that courtroom wiser but dumbfounded at the loss of common sense in our judicial system.

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Phillip, I became largely disillusioned with “the law” when I was in law school. That’s why I became an estate planner rather than a litigator.

      Liked by 2 people

  29. Some of these Bishops and Cardinals continue to one-up each other for stupid and blind statements. I wonder honestly whether they are aware of how ridiculous they sound. I assume not, which is scary in itself. I disagree with an above post saying that laity shouldn’t judge Bishops. We shouldn’t judge their hearts and souls, but we have every right to judge their administrative actions and public statements.

    For example, several of the McCarrick-sponsored appointments are suspect to begin with, but they continue to claim ignorance of his behavior, which defies common sense. Especially Cardinal Farrell, who lived on the same floor as him for 6 years yet somehow had no idea what was happening? Cardinal Cupich has come up with a bunch of whoppers lately. Maradiaga saying McCarrick serial sex abuse is a “private matter” is absurd on several levels. Someone with any theological knowledge knows that no sin is a private matter, as they all affect the Body of Christ and oppose God’s plan. Behavior that basically invalidates the Church’s credibility and moral witness is a concern of all of us, not to mention the families of the countless men ad the men themselves who McCarrick and others like him destroyed. Insanity is all you can call some of these statements.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. It all comes down to this: either Francis, Cupich, Tobin, McElroy, Antonio Spadaro, Paglia, et al are right in their vision of where the Lord wants to take His Church and it is us who are stubbornly resisting a reform movement of the Spirit. Or they are wrong and we must vigorously oppose them with prayer, personal holiness and charity. I clearly think they are misguided but at the same time I seek the guidance of the Lord and the gift of humility in expressing my differences with them. I am no shrinking violet and have been rebuked for speaking my mind, perhaps too strongly at times. It’s very hard not to get upset and I have to struggle not to take it personally.

      If we are in a great spiritual battle, we must strive to our utmost to make holiness and love our goals. I am not calling for a retreat — rather I am calling for more action on the part of holy and faithful laity. But we must be wary not to engage in sarcasm, snark, and vituperative language. This plays into the hands of the evil one. Write your bishops about your concerns and even outrage. Pray for the protection of holy priests. Challenge meaningless remarks like “Jesus never said to worship Him but to follow Him.” Well, he does say to worship Him and His call to follow Him sometimes involves a heavy prices. (Scriptural references available on request).

      Holiness, prayer and (oh, God!) fasting are our “weapons” in this battle. Proclaim Christ Crucified and the truth that the Lord loves each one of us intimately. The term “Personal relationship with Christ” is not a Protestant copyright. JPII and Benedict have used it in their writings and it is in the CCC (although it says “personal relationship with God”).

      Liked by 7 people

    2. Yes, he certainly does! Where is the liberal left (don’t capitalize them like I don’t capitalize their leader’s name) in standing up for the rights of people to protest flags? Hypocrisy. Vanity. Pride. Lies. What more proof do we need of the left’s true satanic leadership. I pray the demons that were exorcised go out into the arid places and find no place to return except to their unforgiving, hateful leader. St. Michael, pray for us.

      Liked by 3 people

  31. It’s enough to make Ya weep … & It’s In Our Face!!

    Pope Francis Invites Bishops Accused of Sex Abuse Cover-Up to Youth Synod

    https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2018/09/19/pope-francis-invites-bishops-accused-of-sex-abuse-cover-up-to-youth-synod/

    MILINET: WHY CHRISTINE BLASEY FORD’S HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOKS WERE SCRUBBED: Faculty Approved Racism, Binge Drinking and Promiscuity

    http://cultofthe1st.blogspot.com/2018/09/why-christine-blasey-fords-high-school_19.html

    I have a Dream that something very similar to this scene from “Tombstone” occurs very soon where Wyatt Earp is replaced by Donald Trump or Cardinal Burke and my/your “favorite” slimy & corrupt Democrat Politician/Media/Church Miscreants replaces Frank Stilwell & Ike Clanton … Oh!.. I know!! …. Lots of contenders for Frank/Ike ….. few for the Wyatt role ;-(

    Be Warned!! The full & violent scene:
    (edited out the violent scene BH)

    YES!!! I HAVE A DREAM!!! ….. but I really hope/pray that the Cold Anger of Producer Class USA is not turned to the Hot Anger of the Earp Vendetta Ride!!
    ….BUT!!! ….. It is They who have CALLED DOWN THE THUNDER!!

    GOD SAVE ALL HERE!!

    Liked by 2 people

  32. Here’s a headline from Spirit Daily today: Benedict Rebukes Critics Of Pope Francis
    However, the link leads to an excerpt from the New York Times which shows this admonishment was written nearly a year ago BEFORE the currently-revealed information about the McCarrick problem and the testimony of Vigano. It surely looks like the NYT wants to avoid any discussion of active homosexuals/homosexual activists in the ranks of the clergy.

    https://spiritdailyblog.com/news/benedict-rebukes-critics-of-pope-francis

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Beckita,
      Archbishop Vigano’s charge vs. Cardinal Cupich,

      “Regarding Cupich, one cannot fail to note his ostentatious arrogance, and the insolence with which he denies the evidence that is now obvious to all: that 80% of the abuses found were committed against young adults by homosexuals who were in a relationship of authority over their victims.” and, “…….Perhaps it would be enough for him to be able to remain with his feet on the ground and not try to turn reality upside-down, blinded by his pro-gay ideology, ”

      is confirmed by Cupich’s discipline of a priest who burned the homosexual/lesbian rainbow flag in the sanctuary of his parish church, https://pjmedia.com/faith/sexual-abuse-survivor-priest-who-burned-rainbow-flag-punished-by-chicago-archdiocese/

      The smoke of satan is that of the clerical homosexual abomination in the Catholic Church!
      St. Michael the Archangel,
      defend us in battle.
      Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
      May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
      and do thou,
      O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
      by the power of God,
      thrust into hell Satan,
      and all the evil spirits,
      who prowl about the world
      seeking the ruin of souls. Amen..

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Indeed, Joseph, I posted this whole article in a comment three days ago near the end of the comments to the piece “Whither We Are Tending.” I’m so glad you brought the link here as well in case anyone missed this story.

        Liked by 2 people

  33. We pray for the repose of the soul of Fr. Jean-Baptiste Sebe. https://spiritdaily.org/blog/news/priest-commits-suicide

    We also pray for a thorough and transparent investigation into this worldwide problem of sexual disorder amongst the clergy, from the highest to the lowest ranking prelates and priests. For the protection of those clerics who are innocent, yet, unjustly charged. Come Holy Spirit! We NEED You and the power of your Light of Truth, Wisdom and Discernment as we do our best to resolve, by the Grace of God, the problems we face.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Bekita, perhaps you would agree and perhaps you won’t. I appreciate being able to “float balloons” here at ASOH. The root cause is apostasy. The homoclericalism, theft, destruction of liturgy and devotions are terrible and tragical symptoms of the underlying root: apostasy. If the offenders had supernatural faith, they would have contrition, repent, and remove themselves; they would not be silent and carry on as usual.

      Liked by 2 people

  35. We know the ultimate goal of the socialist/communist movement cannot not work unless they rid of Christianity and if they cannot be rid of it they will attempt to water it down or make the Catholic Church more like the Protestant Church. The big Church to get is of course the Catholic Church. Completely oblivious to what faith is (that wonderful gift we receive when we convert), or to what the power of prayer, fasting and alms is and what it can do for our communities, and clueless to the Graces we receive when we have faith, the progressive movement against God’s people will fail in its ultimate goal because people of faith will rise up. We all know the battle is spiritual and the fight we fight is not of human origin. Maintain the focus of the battle, none of this is worthy of worry or anxiousness, God is in the midst of all the unveiling of the evil tactics of satan and his cohorts. The more evil that is unveiled the less it is disguised as good, now it stands out as EVIL, in times past there was a question of whether things were really as bad as what was portrayed, now yes, it is as bad as what is portrayed. And that is a good thing because as low as the EVIL can get that much higher and closer God can bring us to Him. Our prayers at this point of the battle should be as constant as our very breathing and our boldness should allow us to throw on that armor every morning, pulling back our shoulders with a stance that frightens the demons and our stride should be one of confidence and our hearts filled with love and our exterior image one of joy. The battle is ours to fight and we are not to retreat or let our guard down. I know it gets difficult and sometimes at the end of my day I can barely mumble a Hail Mary, but mumble I do and in the morning I am refreshed and ready for battle…the Eucharist, Confession, Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Novena’s, and very important Scripture – read scripture everyday, constant contact with your guardian angel (your angel will keep you on track and advise you of your next move if you ask), conversations with your Brother and Sisters in Christ who are aware of the fight. We are blessed. We are loved. We are unique, one of a kind, masterpiece of God, we are His people and He is our God. What more do we need. Love. I do. Diane

    Liked by 4 people

  36. I figure it is as good a time, if any to disclose I killed one squirrel today and narrowly missed two others. I had just finished delivering a charitable donation to the local Catholic Maternity Services in Lac du Sacrament (Lake George) and all three proceeded to run accross a three lane highway playing ‘I can make it’. The distance separation was .25 mile to 1.5 mile from the first to the last. I tell ya’ I witnessed some darn good acrobatics and evasive maneuvering. Two made it one didn’t.

    Liked by 1 person

  37. Respectfully, I have lost confidence in beloved Pope Francis. I now pray for his conversion instead of his intentions. I also have zero plans to leave my beloved church. God will send the right saint at the right time.

    I did a talk on Saint Cathrine of Siena two years ago and I am astounded at how God used her to bring the pope back from Avian, France to Rome. God knows what is going on and he is letting this play out. I find St. Catherine’s dialog most profound. One statement from her that constantly resounds in my head is “love must be tested”

    Liked by 4 people

  38. The battle for souls is intense. Should you believe (falsely) that your prayers and sacrifices are futile against the tide of filth and rage submerged the world, let me remind you that there are those of us who face it every day and count on you who are hidden in Mary’s Immaculate Heart to back us up. Don’t stop praying.
    Today, I went for my usual refreshment and repose with Jesus in the chapel of adoration and, as I was reading the intentions in the book, to pray for them, found at least three tirades written there against the Church and that she deserves this uncovering of her sins because she refuses to give up her idols and idolatry and worship of Mary and the saints. I prayed for inspiration because my first impulse was to tear those pages up but then I would also be ruining the heartfelt intentions of other adorers. (An illustration in the micro of the parable of the wheat and the weeds.)
    So I asked WWSOHD (What wouldSignOfHopeDo?) I fought the impulse to rip it out or to scribble it out. I ended by praying for that disturbed soul who dared to rant against devotion to Mary in front of her Son! I wrote “JMJ” next to the ravings and wrote a prayer for peace in the margins.
    You souls present here always give me hope and strength to take the next right step, even though I have never met any of you face to face. When I am with Our Lord, I always raise you up to Him.
    Jesus and Mary, we love you! Save souls!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Ah yes, Marisa, in the end all will see how Jesus honors His Mother – and those of good will will imitate Him. But some are given to their own vain pride and will rage against her even when Jesus openly reveals His love for her and His intention that we do the same. Pray, indeed, that there are those of good will there who will find the love of their Mother when all is accomplished instead of condemning themselves to perdition.

      Liked by 2 people

      2. My Lambzie just went to a retreat where a Sister Helena Burns gave a most amazing talk on her conversion and how she embraced true femininity where she came from radical feminism. My heart sang listening to this. What a gift!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Wow, Marisa! Thank you for sharing this story, including the next right step you took. You have given us inspiration which increases fortitude in carrying on with prayers, penance and good deeds.

      Liked by 1 person

  39. Albany Diocese held an Eucharist Congress today at the North American Martyrs (Our Lady Queen of Martyrs) Shrine in Auriesville, NY. A good turnout of about 4,000 parishioners and My guess a hundred or so Priests.

    I commenced my pilgrimage by praying the Rosay (Novena for our Nation prayer intentions) on the 1.5 hour drive. Upon arrival, I had an oportunity for reconciliation and immediately following walked/prayed the Stations of the Cross for All the Nations, specifically the Mohawk, Crow and Chippewa the last two of which my cousins belong. The Plenary Indulgence received was also offered for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory for the Indian Nations, notably all those who graced their presence on that soil. I asked God on this special, blessed day to free/purify all the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

    TRNS & ASOH community were also in my prayers.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. A correction if you will permit me; my Aunt and cousins are Cree not crow. Though the land of Cree and Chippewa are fairly close with Lake Superior in between.

      Liked by 1 person

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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.