Defining Deviancy Down

Posted on by charliej373

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By Charlie Johnston

Today is the National Rosary Rally, sponsored by the Holy League. It culminates the 54-day Novena for our Nation. It has been a tumultuous time. May God shed his grace on us.

*******

I have been a little under the weather. I broke a tooth off at lunch on Wednesday and spent the next two days getting emergency dental surgery. It left me a bit woozy going into the weekend. As you probably know, I have terrible teeth. It runs in women on my mother’s side of the family. She had full dentures by the time she was 22. I am the only man I know in the family similarly afflicted – but, hey, my love of reading is also an endowment from my Mom, so I’m not complaining. Now I have a partial dental insert. Ha! I lasted longer than any of the others who got the chalk teeth in the family. Sorry I’ve been quiet all week…but it’s been a rough week. (I actually swallowed the tooth before I knew what happened. Fortunately, it did NOT bite me in the rear end on the way out).

*******

I have been disquieted by all the states that are launching their own investigations into the Catholic Church. Given the hierarchy’s utter failure to effectively police itself – and with pretty clear signals from the top that the Vatican is not going to take it seriously any time soon – it was inevitable that this should happen. Heaven knows, if the hierarchy won’t police itself, somebody has to. The problem is that many of the top officials in the states launching investigations are committed enemies of Christianity and of the Church.

The problem for me is that I don’t believe that most of the “lavender mafia” (the homosexual schemers in the hierarchy and their fellow travelers) actually believe in God. If they did, how could they so casually dare seek to reject His commands and erect a new set of rules they prefer? No, actually they think the Church is a very powerful man-made institution. Too incompetent to thrive in most any other endeavor, they seek to wield its power while simultaneously denying the source thereof. Most of them are anti-Catholic bigots who want its institutional power for themselves.

Culturally, on the outside, you have atheist neo-fascists who want to destroy the Church’s institutional power. They, too, are anti-Catholic bigots. They fear the power of true belief – and true believers – to thwart their thrust for totalitarian power. They have become a HUGE faction in the culture. Suggestively, the lavender mafia has gone largely political, offering full-throated support for the authoritarian agenda the atheist neo-fascists count on to sweep them to power (regardless of how it violates defined Catholic doctrine). Simultaneously, the cultural warriors have dissembled about the nature and source of the horrific scandals in the Church – downplaying or completely ignoring the homosexual engine that drives the abuse. Instead, they label pedophilia as the problem, even though only 3 percent of the reported abuse involves pedophilia – and that, too, is almost entirely homosexually driven. We have atheist neo-fascists and the lavender mafia working together to destroy the Church or neuter its teachings so it is no longer a threat to the totalitarian dreams of the culture warriors.

We do not protect the Church by defending either the predators or their enablers within the ranks of the hierarchy. Neither do we defend the Church by submitting to the tender mercies of radicalized public officials who seek to destroy it – and act under the guise of protecting the innocent (a subject they show remarkably little interest in when it comes to other public institutions).

Some years back, a friend of mine who headed a regional branch of Catholic Social Services and I undertook to see how deep the sexual abuse problem went in the Church. To our mutual surprise, the striking thing about the incidence of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church was that it was significantly LESS frequent in the Church than in other major cultural institutions, such as public schools, universities, organized sports and such. That does NOT excuse it. The Church is called to be holy, to be a rock of moral virtue in all times.  It was suggestive, though. Why would the culture warriors seek to focus on the area where the abuse was the least prevalent, unless they were using it as a fig leaf to cover another agenda entirely?

In 1993, the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan, coined the phrase, “defining deviancy down.” Basically, his thesis was that as we progressively normalize and tolerate disordered and deviant behavior, the incidence of serious assaults on the norms that make civil society possible will grow exponentially and, eventually, threaten the foundations of society, itself. Along the way, we will see a dramatic increase of deviant incidents that are still NOT among those we tolerate. We’re there.

How do you defend traditional institutions in an age when a large portion of the population just tried to slime an actual, veritable choirboy to prevent him from taking a seat on the US Supreme Court? When everything is politicized in a no-holds-barred sort of way, there are no standards and nothing is sacred. The only thing that counts is power. A society based on power alone with no objective moral foundation is bound for revolution, ruin and collapse. Ah, but in America, however ugly the battle, the forces of the great middle, those who respect faith, family and freedom, still do have the power of their numbers and voices. We want to stabilize society, to return it to objective standards of justice and morality – and tolerance. To do that, we have to be far more disciplined and far less emotional than the forces of darkness, though every bit as vigorous and energized. A few suggestions…

Though the Church hierarchy will NOT police itself, many individual Bishops (probably even a majority) are committed to doing so – committed to the faith and transparency. Encourage Bishops to fully investigate scandals in their own Dioceses, setting up independent boards, run by laymen, but including clerics, with full authority to investigate problems and publish their findings and recommendations. Set it up according to classic rules of evidence, affording everyone due process and the presumption of innocence. Leave the final decision in the hands of the Bishop (again, Christ appointed Bishops to run His Church – and I am not inclined to join the merry band of modern men who seek to contradict Christ’s commands). Of course, individual criminal behavior will be adjudicated in the temporal realm. A cleric’s spiritual calling does not exempt him from temporal accountability. Such boards, though, (provided they DO follow due process and the presumption of innocence) can be tools by which Bishops can root out the guilty and defend the innocent. Such an idea is amazingly counter-cultural in these times, but the Church, itself, was perhaps the single most counter-cultural endeavor in history.

As far as state action goes, the state does have the legitimate right to investigate abuses and crimes within the realm of its authority – and should do so. However, it should not and must not be allowed to use such investigations to persecute its enemies while protecting its allies. That, of course, is what most modern “investigations” and “prosecutions” have become. To authentically defend the Church, we can demand that when such an investigation is launched, it must investigate the crimes – not selectively choose targets. That means that it would require investigation into all major institutions. You cannot target the abuses that occur in churches while covering for the much greater incidence of abuse in public schools, universities, the entertainment industry, sports – and all the other institutions that support the atheist neo-fascists. We have defined deviancy down and the consequences infect the whole culture. It is all or nothing. That we can insist upon.

I am spending a lot of time thinking about what our next right steps are now that the ground is shaking beneath our feet, now that the cultural institutions we have relied on for fairness and justice are in deep decline or full collapse. I am thankful to a close friend for giving me the key piece for this matter. When I have a more comprehensive look on all that is before us, that is when I will publish the third part of the Ballad of the Ordinary Man – the Apostolate of the Laity. We are called to be the defenders of truth, justice, faith, family and freedom. We cannot do that by adopting the evil, soulless methods of the atheist neo-fascists. Neither can we do it by being flaccid warriors. It is time to call on the help of St. Joan of Arc, St. George, St. Patrick – and especially the Holy Archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael that we may be true, aggressive and mighty warriors without sinning. Onward to the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart!




321 thoughts on “Defining Deviancy Down”

  1. Amen. Amen, Charlie. BIG work ahead of us and your points made deserve pondering.

    As we consider all that is, here’s some food for thought: Catholic apologist, author, and Franciscan University of Steubenville professor Scott Hahn has strongly stated that clergy convicted of being sexual predators shouldn’t be defrocked, they should receive “excommunication.”

    My heart goes out to you in the dental department. I could write the Lifelong Ballad of My Rotten Teeth and we could compare tooth troubles. Verse One could be about tooth extractions. Verse Two would center on fillings and, in this life stage, replacing old fillings. The exciting concluding verse would dwell on the saga of the many crowns. 🙂

    Seriously now, prayer and wee sacrifices coming your way so you’re up and running well this week.

    Finally, happy to hear about the smooth passage of that tooth through your system!

    Liked by 14 people

    1. Me too! Broke off two teeth this summer. [didn’t swallow any] Had to have them removed, plus one other. Woe is me, looking at a partial. Will be nice to chew again

      Liked by 3 people

    3. Ah, but before the crowns, come the root canals. Yikes!
      Luckily those who have grown up on fluoride water have the better fate.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I was blessed with a wonderful dentist who expressed that different people have different health issue propensities and I happen to have the genes for teeth issues. Xilytol gum has been an awesome find to add to the arsenal of protecting enamel for the young and old. Beyond that, my daughter-in-law dentist loves to brag about Nana’s brushing and flossing habits to her own children. 😁

        Liked by 6 people

  2. I always knew your bark was worse than your bite, Charlie!

    China lurks. But Trust I do. As evil keeps rising, Grace is staying one step ahead

    Liked by 10 people

  4. I wish all those lavender mafia non believers WOULD be excommunicated. I had hoped that state investigations would help that happen, but I agree that all institutions should be investigated.

    Liked by 7 people

  5. Great work! Much to think about. I too will need to sit and ponder some of this and it brings back a book I read ages ago, Hurtling towards Oblivion written in 1999, by Richard Swensen, commenting on social trends, historic works, church trends, etc, explaining that evil becomes so dominate, infiltrates from everywhere that all begins to explode exponentially, until it is so far out of control in every aspect of our lives, we cannot get it back under control. I tend to see this happening. At least on the Left. I feel bad for them (the Left), as I know everyone wonders what happened to these people! No morals, no values….no nothing but hate. Where did all this come from? Our Popes cannot fix this, it just became too big, but why? It is as if they refuse to acknowledge all right before them – good vs evil.. They are as guilty as those they accuse, and/or more so, but that does not matter. And if this is the way they want it…then that will be the way it is. They seem to be pouring out of all the gutters, crevasses, cracks (fissures), you get the picture. A point of insanity.

    The wolves are in charge of the hen house, and it’s not looking pretty. I worry it is wearing on our clergy, they too can only take so much before it begins to wear on them. And don’t you know stitch is prowling about looking for that tiny sigh of frustration. Let’s pray more prayers for them, naming them, asking our Blessed Mother to hold them close.

    Liked by 10 people

  6. What strange times we live in. I was thinking the other day that I *really* hope people are journaling the goings on of our times, because I want my great-great-great grandchildren to know what to look out for. To be able to diagnose it earlier than we have, and to fight harder in the beginning, and to have the faith to withstand.

    Liked by 11 people

  8. Charlie! Good to hear from you!!! Much appreciated!

    Sorry about your pain and tooth troubles!!!

    Another 54 day Novena? Surely helped me to up my prayer game!!!

    I am thinking Nov. 6th is going to cause an uproar! Approaching fast!!!

    Liked by 3 people

  9. I’ve read that public institutions in each state such as schools have by law a financial cap on how much they can be sued for. Usually it is an amount the would-be plaintiffs in sexual abuse cases consider not worth the effort. Whereas in private schools which are not protected by a cap millions can be obtained through litigation. Knowing this bias, somehow I think the state just isn’t going to investigate its own institutions to the same extent as investigating private institutions such as the Catholic Church.

    Liked by 5 people

  10. It appears that Catholic radio attempting to pray 1,000,000 Memorare this year to end abortion is having an effect. Brett Kavanagh after being pilloried be diabolical forces was sworn in as a justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

    Once again Mother Mary crushes the head of the serpent.

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Yes, the nomination/appointment success of Judge Kavanaugh is much bigger than most realize. The fight was in proportion to the immense need for the evil to win ; however our Lord made the decision that in order to move on to the ‘end’, this win was critical. Not the win of the war…Lepanto …..but the win in the battle. The remarkable sacrifice of this man, his family, his legacy, was to help us understand now what is coming. Ahead of us, many losses, yet many more wins! And we thank you, Lord Jesus. The pro-life movement is making great strides. Yet, our Church, the body of Christ, is stuck in a quagmire of muck brought on by its body becoming to worldly and modern. Greed replaced charity, filth replaced love, pastoral care was replaced by administrative corporate rules, and on and on. And then family got regulated to the 3rd level, being replaced by changes to family /marriage/God and community (God’s community). You cannot change God’s laws…natural law…Divine law, and think it is ok to do so, because everyone likes the ‘new’ rules. But the one rule/law that they do not want changed is the abortion law. This is their(evil) sacrifice they must have to keep their minions rolling and their works from getting clogged up. This evil must continue, and these sacrifices as well. Or God wins the WAR…so this appointment is of a magnitude which is such significance if people understood, there would be continuous effort 24/7 in prayer and repentance by everyone. Maybe one day there will be. And in the mean time, all the other disgusting rotten evil that slipped out of fire along with abortion, is running rampant and causing pure chaos and growing. Until our Church turns back to Christ and His teachings, we will not have Christ’s Peace. And my heart says thank you to those who do realize this, and are taking a stand and love for mankind. May God bless our priest and religious.

      Liked by 7 people

    2. Ingeniero: My mother’s favorite prayer. Saying it right now. Hope to add to the count every day. Pray for Marsha Blackburn running for Senator from Tennessee. She is so very pro-life. Would be so helpful to have her in the Senate. Ted Cruz, too. And Lou Barletta from Pa. A good pro life Catholic from upstate PA. And reaching for the stars John Cox Republican running for governor of CA and Scott Wagner for governor of PA

      Liked by 5 people

  11. Great article Charlie. It is nice to read such a broad fair view of the crisis we endure.

    Your tooth crisis had a happy ending, and made me LOL. God take care of you always.

    I hope it is ok to post this link with a letter to Abp. Vigano from Cardinal Oullet. It does bear credibility and sincerity; but I would be glad to hear other views on the letter itself.

    https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2018-10/letter-ouellet-vigano-mccarrick-sexual-abuse-united-states.html

    Like

    1. Thanks, Julia. We have already published the link twice in the comment section, but what the heck…the third time is the charm. I will, though, repeat the reply I made:

      “I find this most unedifying. Cardinal Ouellet confirms that McCarrick WAS under restrictions…but that Pope Francis had too much to read to know about it. Then he bases his recollections on Vatican documents that the Vatican will NOT release. If they are so dispositive in proving there was no cover-up or intentional promotion of predators, that fact could largely be confirmed by the release of those documents. Then he goes on to say how Amoris Laetitia is part of the “living” Magisterium and the universal reversal of the Church’s teaching of several millennia by Pope Francis on the death penalty is the same. In America, we know what “living” Constitution means – that anything can be changed by the arbitrary will of whoever currently holds power. Setting aside the nasty swipes at Vigano personally, the facts in this letter confirm what Vigano has said. We have a lot of wood to chop.”

      This is a much smoother, more polished effort at PR than anything the very clumsy Cardinal Cupich has said, but when you drill past the sentiment to the facts beneath it is a confirmation rather than a refutation of Vigano.

      Liked by 13 people

      1. Thank you Charlie for your “confirmation” of Archbishop Vigano Ouellet’s “living Magisterium” perfectly mirrors the “living Constitution” of the fraudster non justices on the US Supreme Court. We must praise and thank our Great and Mighty God for Justice Kavanaugh’s confirmation!

        Liked by 6 people

      2. Charlie,

        You state: “It is a confirmation rather than a refutation of Vigano.” Bullseye! You are right, beneath all of the rhetoric, it is a confirmation.

        On a different note, Charlie, one of things I foresee as a possible outcome of these investigations is a looting of the Church similar to that of the Suppression of the Monasteries by Henry VIII. Many Diocese now have Foundations created, where, much like the papal foundation, the Bishop sits with a clique of his cronies, both lay and clerical. Many of these are loaded with money. I do not put it past some of these state attorney generals to seize these assets under RICO type legislation.

        The sad part is that, in the case of the Buffalo Diocese, the local parishes where bullied into giving money. This caused a flight of capital from these small towns that still have banks, further impoverishing these communities. Most of the money in foundations traditionally goes elsewhere, away from the community. Of course, every parish was told, “You will get some back,” but this is all at the discretion of the Bishop and his cronies.

        While the foundations do give the opportunity to fund and maintain good works, my mother told me that it is nothing but money grubbing and a lack of trust in God. My mother pointed out that while “we are to be as wise as serpents, this does not require us to give up following the Gospel to demand money.” My mother noted that all the sermons and parish bulletins had a demand for money that came across as extortionate. The manager of the foundation will be well paid, better than many priests in rural parishes. SHe said, we say “our Father.” God is the Father of us all who takes care of us. We say “give us this day our daily bread.” Our Father provides – we are to trust him, not to trust the world, not to trust money managers.. Thre is a fundamental lack of trust of God here that is distinct from the virtue of prudent husbandry of money and if we will not trust God, but the money manager, well, God wil take the money away and give it to others.”

        My mother is not saying not to use banks, and this may not be explained as well as some (like myself) would like it, but it is more of an intuitive thing.

        Liked by 7 people

          1. Beckita,

            I started the comment and then stopped and went and asked my mother for clarification
            Do, I related what she told me. A final comment from my mom. “On paper, many Dioceses are richer than ever, but spiritually, many are more impoverished than ever. More rosaries, then!”

            Liked by 4 people

            1. So true, James. And so it has been with too many individuals: spiritually poor for too long. I think of how St. John Vianney tackled the spiritual poverty in his parish when he was first sent to Ars… so it should be with any pastor or prelate when faced with such a flock… and so it should be with the laity who are in the company of a struggling shepherd(s). We NEED to have each other’s backs with prayer, sacrifices and fasting when one is fallen, whether lay or clergy. Yes to more Rosaries and yes to more adoring, for, thus, the shores of Rescue are in sight!

              Liked by 2 people

              1. Bekita,
                This picture reminds me of the third message of Fatima. Is the ship about to tip? Are the Cardinal’s perhaps the Lavender Mafia and their leader in white, Francis?

                The Hearts will Triumph!
                MJT

                Liked by 1 person

                1. The ship can never tip, MJT. Christ is in that boat and He’s verrrrrrry interested in repentance and reform while His Mother continually gathers our prayers, sacrifices and fasts for her children to present them to the Father.

                  Liked by 2 people

      3. Yeah Charlie, ever noticed the method and order used by Vatican and our Left Wing USA. Brought to you by the same sponsors as Nazism, Fascism, Communism, nihilism. modernism, Marxism, etc. Only now everyone is out of the closet. You know there is is an up tic to this. They will eventually turn on each other. No one likes to give up power. This is that eternal strategy of Division. St Michael defend us in battle.

        Liked by 4 people

        1. EWTN replayed Bishop Sheens “Life is worth living” an episode titled “Communism and Truth”. I highly recommend as it is poignant for us here and now in America. He stated one could not reason with someone whose “truth” changes due to the political party wishes. aka group think.

          Mark Mallet posted another great article on our times:
          https://www.markmallett.com/blog/2018/10/11/surviving-our-toxic-culture/

          Also, Luz de Maria latest (October 10) {in Spanish} speaks of upcoming world wide events which no one will be free. The rich, particulary those encased in Money, shall be most hurt and impoverished. The poor will feel like the rich as since they don’t have money and are used to their lifestyle as poor will not have the mental strain of ‘not having’.

          Liked by 3 people

  12. A whole bunch of articles from MILINET today that should convince most that we are, in fact, in a Civil War. The Global Left’s Supreme Court Loss and the Back-Fire which may cause a Red Wave has made The Usual Suspects beyond angry….& desperate. The, last, HS Halftime Article is really disturbing! Just more proof that The Radical Left is in control of US Education …. including much of “Catholic Education”. Get and VOTE next month and drag to the polls those you care about too!!

    The Left’s Dark Turn–Jack Cashill

    https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2018/10/the_lefts_dark_turn.html

    Stephen Colbert ‘Late Show’ writer: ‘I’m just glad we ruined Brett Kavanaugh’s life’

    https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/stephen-colbert-late-show-writer-im-just-glad-we-ruined-brett-kavanaughs-life

    The Left Criminalizes Politics by Weaponizing Investigations

    https://www.nationalreview.com/2018/10/leftists-weaponize-investigations-for-political-gain/

    Some anti-Kavanaugh protesters were paid to help make ‘viral moments,’ Vice News editor says

    https://www.foxnews.com/politics/some-anti-kavanaugh-protesters-were-paid-to-help-make-viral-moments-vice-news-editor-claims

    Sen. Cory Gardner reveals wife received graphic text of beheading after Kavanaugh vote

    https://www.foxnews.com/politics/sen-cory-gardner-reveals-wife-received-graphic-text-of-beheading-after-kavanaugh-vote

    Susan Collins swings back at Planned Parenthood over Supreme Court double-standard

    https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/oct/7/susan-collins-accuses-planned-parenthood-supreme-c/

    McConnell calls for investigation into leak of Ford letter

    https://www.politico.com/story/2018/10/07/christine-blasey-ford-leak-investigation-880177

    Justice Prevailed–NRO Editorial

    https://www.nationalreview.com/2018/10/brett-kavanaugh-confirmed-supreme-court-justice-prevailed/

    Mississippi governor condemns high school band’s halftime show

    https://www.foxnews.com/us/mississippi-governor-condemns-high-school-bands-halftime-show

    GOD SAVE ALL HERE!!

    Liked by 9 people

    1. Crew Dog, I’ve always appreciated the way you aggregate headlines here but I’ve never expressed my gratitude to you. Thank you. Your work reminds me of Frank Walker’s work at Canon212. Have you seen his headline aggregation work?

      While working out my salvation in fear and trembling, with HOPE, I remain resting in Their Hearts.

      Liked by 12 people

  13. My mother always told me and my brothers not to eat so fast. “There are no teeth in your stomach!” she’d say.

    She wasn’t perfect!

    Liked by 5 people

  15. So sorry about the tooth, Charlie!

    Say, what does that mean only 3% of cases involved pedophilia? I thought that is what this is all about – young children now recalling abuses? Can you please explain?

    Also, are we making any head-way in this war?

    🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Most of the claims involve sexually mature, but sometimes under-age victims. Pedophilia, which involves actual children, only accounts for three percent. Involvement with under-age but sexually mature individuals (post-puberty) is pederasty. In over 85% of the cases, homosexuality is the driver. As for your last question…good one that is occupying a lot of my thoughts right now.

      Liked by 6 people

    2. Connie, while the abuse of minors’ stories from the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report – as well as other sources since the turn of the century – are horrific, crying out to heaven for reparation and justice, it is also true that the majority of sexual abuse is rooted in homosexuality, that is, adult male ( priests and bishops) preying on and abusing teenage boys and very young adult males – with the young adult males often targeted and groomed and oppressed (some seminarians have been harmed by having their confessed sins and their personal information revealed in spiritual direction held against them as blackmail) while they are in seminary training so that the predators also abuse their power over these young men. Rod Dreher over at the American Conservative has covered these issues well and he has a search function at his site which would allow one to read all about it.

      In addition, fearless bishops such as Bishop Robert Morlino have pinpointed this homosexual problem – active homosexuals and homosexual activists – at the core of the crisis. From one of his recent pastoral letters: “There has been a great deal of effort to keep separate acts which fall under the category of now-culturally-acceptable acts of homosexuality from the publically-deplorable acts of pedophilia. That is to say, until recently the problems of the Church have been painted purely as problems of pedophilia — this despite clear evidence to the contrary. It is time to be honest that the problems are both and they are more. To fall into the trap of parsing problems according to what society might find acceptable or unacceptable is ignoring the fact that the Church has never held ANY of it to be acceptable — neither the abuse of children, nor any use of one’s sexuality outside of the marital relationship, nor the sin of sodomy, nor the entering of clerics into intimate sexual relationships at all, nor the abuse and coercion by those with authority.” Full letter here.

      The public authorities do NOT want this data to be recognized, for it stands in the face of culturally acceptable promotion of homosexuality. To acknowledge that the grievous sins of homosexual acts can lead to someone opening wide the door to additional perversion, such as succumbing to the evil one’s pressures to become a predator of young people, would mess up the cultural narrative about the “goodness” of homosexual acts.

      Liked by 7 people

      2. May God preserve Bp. Morlino, and bring forth many more like him. Good Lord, that one should even have to say: “bring forth many more like him” shows how low we have sunk over the last few decades, almost unwittingly. ALL Bishops should be like that, unafraid to state the Truth. No, in fact, WE ALL should be like that!

        Sadly, Beckita, when you rightly comment: “There has been a great deal of effort to keep separate acts which fall under the category of now-culturally-acceptable acts of homosexuality from the publically-deplorable acts of pedophilia”, I’m thinking that the devil is in the “now”, in that it seems that it’s all being ramped-up towards removing the stigma against actual pedophilia – in fact, removing the stigma towards any sort of perversion. Who would have thought, 20 years ago (which is only 1998 after all) that we’d have the whole men in girls’ restrooms thing, and that (sane) objectors would be categorised as “haters”, open to legal penalties for trying to protect children? I dare to say that even 20 years ago that would have been seen as pretty improbable. Oh well, back then the Clintons were still against gay “marriage”, of course (sarc off).

        It’s what the Left does, incremental degradation. Always tearing down, never producing anything of lasting value, because of their denial of essential, immutable, Truth. Of course, as history shows, they’ll eventually devour themselves, as they are the true haters, knowing no limits. But, as history also shows, very many get destroyed in the process, innocents as well as the useful idiots who deluded themselves that they were part of the cutting edge – until their time came and they were swallowed up in the tide of lawless hatred they helped to create. For the Left, eggs get broken to make omelettes, and after yet another catastrophic, usually bloody, failure they’ll shrug and say: “it’s never really been done properly, it’ll work the next time”. And so on.

        That the best-educated (well, it’s relative), richest, most leisured society in human history has led, yet again, to this should prove to even the most hardened atheist that Man is truly irredemable, if left to his own devices. Of course, to many of them it proves no such thing, because the next utopia is just around the corner… and if another few million eggs get broken – well, hey!

        Liked by 2 people

  16. I have seen reference to a year old Nancy Pelosi you tube excerpt on a political tactic called the “Wrap Up Smear”.

    I believe this is a bit of a projection on Nancy’s part but it seems to be a standard tool in the kit for both political sides. I won’t link the video but anybody can google Nancy Pelosi and the Wrap Up Smear to get to it.

    She is talking to the Press and accusing the Republicans of using the “Wrap Up Smear”. She knows the press is going to report that Republicans use the “Wrap Up Smear” tactic. The fact that the Press is reporting the smear ( i.e., LIE) is then used by the political narrative crafters as corroboration of the reality of the smear that they created. They wrap up the smear by using it as a political weapon given its credibility by the mere fact that our great Independent Press reports the smear.

    Nancy Pelosi transcript of remarks:

    “BECAUSE BASICALLY AT THE END OF THE DAY THAT’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED IN, THEIR REPRESENTATIVE AND WHAT THEIR REPRESENTATIVE IS GOING TO DO FOR THEIR DISTRICT. REPUBLICANS ARE AFRAID OF THAT CONTRAST IN A RACE. BECAUSE THEY’RE GOING TO GO THERE TO BE INVOLVED IN TRICKLED DOWN ECONOMICS, SHUTTING DOWN HOSPITALS AND REST OF IT.

    SO THEY DON’T WANT THEM TO SEE THAT CONTRAST SO THEY FOCUS ON SOMETHING ELSE. AND IT’S A DIVERSIONARY TACTIC. IT’S A SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY.

    YOU DEMONIZE — WE CALL IT THE WRAP-UP SMEAR. YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT POLITICS. IT’S A WRAP-UP SMEAR.

    YOU SMEAR SOMEBODY WITH FALSEHOOD AND THEN YOU MERCHANDISE IT AND THEN YOU WRITE IT AND THEY’L SAY, SEE, IT’S REPORTED IN THE PRESS THAT THIS, THIS AND THIS SO THEY HAVE THAT VALIDATION THAT THE PRESS REPORTED THE SMEAR AND THEN IT’S CALLED A WRAP-UP SMEAR.

    NOW I AM GOING TO MERCHANDISE THE PRESS’ REPORT ON THE SMEAR THAT WE MADE.

    IT’S A TACTIC.”

    The mechanics of the Wrap Up Smear have become all too painfully apparent to a lot of awakening Americans.

    We saw it at work in the Russia, Russia, Russia smear of Trump during the campaign.

    We have witnessed it in the Kavanaugh nomination process.

    The Wrap Up Smear is based on a lie. The smear. The story. The concocted story. A false narrative. Fake News.

    The key critical essential component of the Wrap Up Smear is the Press. As Nancy describes the participation and function of the Press: It gives the smear “validation”. If the Press reports it it must be true.

    We learned another term as a result of Russia, Russia, Russia. The “News Hook”. In that case there needed to be a conspiracy between the Deep State and the Press to give the Press an excuse or justification for running with the story to advance the Wrap Up Smear.

    In that case we saw that James Comey was delegated to go to a meeting with Trump shortly after his election and talk to him about the famous falsehood … The Dossier. The Basic Lie of this Wrap Up Smear. This was to be the substance of the “News Hook”. The Deep State leaked to the Press that Comey met with the President to discuss Russia, Russia, Russia. And the Press and the President’s enemies were off to the races.

    The same Wrap Up Smear tactic and mechanics were used in the Kavanaugh case. The Lie or falsehood, as Nancy terms it, was concocted on July 30 and held in secret until after the confirmation hearing. After which the “letter” was leaked to the Press. Deliberately. To initiate and light off all the Press rockets. Giving “validation” and “credibility” to the uncorroborated allegations and accusations which were the substance of what some might term charitably ‘the falsehood” which is the bedrock of the Wrap Up Smear. Some would call it the Basic Lie.

    Now we are engaged in the Vigano affair. Are we seeing a reprise of the Wrap Up Smear being employed both within the Church and, critically, outside the Church to attack the Church itself?

    The Cardinal Ouellet letter is depressing in this respect. In this case the Vatican seems to have dispensed with “the covert Leak” aspect of the Wrap Up Smear. They just published a letter from Ouellet to Vigano. Attacking Vigano’s “credibility”. A disgruntled unhappy employee. The effect is the same. The Press is initiated and ignited. The story is given “validation”. It is then “Wrapped Up” and used as a political weapon against Vigano. It is “merchandised” and becomes “the party line”.

    QED. It seems.

    This seems to me a terribly effective tool of the Devil in the Spiritual Battle for human souls. The Father of Lies uses a “falsehood” to smear and destroy. Many souls are sucked in to support and advocate for the Lie. To be consumed by the Lie. Acting as minions for the demonic, diabolical party line.

    The Press is a complicit and essential component to execute the Demonic Wrap Up Smear aimed at the destruction of our Country and millions of souls with it.

    What is the antidote to the Demonic Wrap Up Smear?

    I believe the only possible counter force to this kind of attack is Our Lady. It is a Spiritual Battle at its heart. The Lie vs Truth. It calls for a spiritually based response and defense. The Rosary. It also calls for alertness and recognition of the “incoming” on the part of Mary’s human minions. That’s us. We need to expose the Wrap Up Smears for what they are. To oppose. To speak Truth. As publicly and in as many private venues as we can. To refute the Smear. To be prepared to suffer the social consequences if necessary.

    We need to act in our own national cultural and political world as it is presently under intense demonic attack.

    We need to act in defense our Church as it is most manifestly under intense demonic attack right now.

    Mary needs all the human minions she can get.

    Liked by 9 people

    1. Yes, Ed. I viewed the video as well. So agree with your conclusions. It is a time to uphold truth, particularly, Gospel Truth which is meant to be infused into every aspect of our lives. I’ve been drawn to contemplating the lyrics of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” composed during our country’s first civil war. Its lyrics are equally apropos for this second civil war being fought on spiritual and cultural fronts.

      Here’s a rendition with orchestra and choir AND the ordinary people joining in:

      Liked by 7 people

      2. Truely how we should respond. This is just the begining, as any hint of conservitive/christian will be sought out and oppressed. We either go into hiding, removing our statues of Mary, the flag… or stand singing and proclaiming God and Country. The 2nd verse struck me;
        “I have read a fiery Gospel
        writ in burnished rows of steel,
        “As ye deal with My contemners
        so with you My grace shall deal,”
        Let the Hero born of woman
        crush the serpent with His heel,
        Since God is marching on “

        Liked by 5 people

      3. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. From a speech from Dr. King:

        “Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live – a long life; longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. So I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98k-pjN6nl0

        Liked by 5 people

    3. Dear Ed, Thank you for such a precise “nut-shelling” of how I can respond to the “incoming” for those that God puts into my daily path. I was not aware of the diabolical “wrap-up” strategy. Your summary and connection to Car. Ouellet’s public remonstrance of Asbp. Vigano is a powerful example of that very strategy.

      It might be too simplistic, but when I see this kind of “incoming” evidence I say to myself as well as those near enough to hear, “That’s not Catholic.” Sometimes others who know something is wrong will now even ask, “What is Catholic.” Then I get to tell them and/or direct them to faithful Catholic sources.

      Liked by 4 people

  17. On the Religious side:

    MILINET: Articles for Christians

    Last appeal of Christian on Pakistan death row for blasphemy

    https://www.apnews.com/7f0e027f3b6a484fa443db06b173218e/Last-appeal-of-Christian-on-Pakistan-death-row-for-blasphemy

    ‘Red Hat Report’ to ‘audit’ cardinals, ahead of next conclave

    https://www.ncronline.org/news/people/red-hat-report-audit-cardinals-ahead-next-conclave

    Wealthy Catholics to target Cardinals with ‘Red Hat Report’

    https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2018/10/01/wealthy-catholics-to-target-cardinals-ith-red-hat-report/

    ‘Blasphemous’: Vatican defends Pope amid cover-up claims

    https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/oct/7/carlo-maria-vigano-claim-theodore-mccarrick-cover-/

    Broken Faith: Ukrainian Church Fights For Independence From Moscow

    https://www.rferl.org/a/broken-faith-ukrainian-church-fights-for-independence-from-moscow/29530334.html

    …. and these: Yup!! No doubt that the Devil is “hard at work” but it’s his “disciples” entrenched within the Church who must be exposed/expelled. When it’s your turn to clean out the Cess Pool Ya know it’s gonna be a hard and smelly job. It’s our generation that’s got the job and I don’t see a lot of help coming from Our Shepards …. there I’m mostly seeing blather, distraction, chaff, jamming and BS ;-(

    Pope blames devil for Church divisions, scandals, seeks angel’s help

    https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pope-devil/pope-blames-devil-for-church-divisions-scandals-seeks-angels-help-idUSKCN1MI10M?il=0

    Anti-Kavanaugh Editorials Are Dishonest About Why They Oppose Him

    https://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/bill-donohue/anti-kavanaugh-editorials-are-dishonest-about-why-they-oppose-him

    GOD SAVE ALL HERE!!!
    …. & Happy Columbus Day!! 😉 …. poor guy! Victim of Left Spin-n-Smear and in the grave 500 years ;-(

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Re: Rosary Coast to Coast
      I was inspired by Sheralyn’s comment on Friday, Oct. 5th to call my friend to see if anything was happening in our area. I was down with a cold and wasn’t even sure I could attend anything but thought I`d check just in case. She said one of her friends (45 min. away in the city) had approached her Pastor to use the church and he refused. In any case, we decided the two of us could at least get together to say the rosary at our church at 5 p.m. We live in a small, quiet, waterfront town in the Atlantic provinces of Canada and that was our time to join all of you!!

      My friend said she’d get permission from our Pastor and maybe post an invitation on Facebook. Well…..miraculously….this took momentum. My friend had all the contacts and I have the secretarial skills so I put together a 5-page program (quite a challenge since there was very little on line in French to glean from).

      On Sunday, at 5 pm, in our Church, we had 27 people present!! We had a guitar player/singer (who sounds like Francis Cabrel) and a violonist. They started with a very touching rendition of “O Canada”, and interspersed a song to the Holy Spirit and 3 beautiful songs to our Lady between the prayers.

      Had it not been Thanksgiving weekend, we would have had a lot more attend. I was totally amazed how we put this whole Event together in so little time….with a lot of help from our Lady and her spouse!!

      I’m still amazed…and very grateful. I learned a lot from this experience…in taking my next right step.

      Liked by 9 people

        1. Thank you, Mick. I wanted to add a couple of things to my original comment. I said I learned a lot from this experience…a sobering realization that even in this sleepy little town, we are not immune to the lies that are told all over the world, and the confusion those lies create.

          While we were fast and furiously putting together the Event, my friend approached a local retired nun, to ask her help on the translation. (I was taking a short nap and didn’t know she would do this).
          This nun suggested we take out any mention of “abortion” as not to offend anyone; the mention of the forces of evil and the culture of death. Her last point, in a prayer of thanksgiving for our priests, was to suggest changing the word self-“sacrifice” to something like “gifts of self”.

          Of course, we ignored her suggestions… but I chuckled, pleased with the confirmation that we were doing the right thing by taking part in this very important world-wide event. During the celebration, I was struck by the realization that this was not just the end of the 54 day rosary novena but a Beginning….

          Our Lady of the Rosary, we ask for your guidance and protection in taking our Next Right Steps. May we also take very seriously, with commitment, your request to pray the Rosary each day.

          Liked by 2 people

  20. https://www.markmallett.com/blog/2018/10/07/mystery-babylon/

    I just read this from Mark today. It was originally published in 2012, but bears re-reading. We see these tactics, this evil at work, now as much as ever. What he writes is hard to stomach, but when we are armed with information, it might aide us in discernment and how to fight the battle in some small way. When you get right down to it, only God can defeat this evil about which Mark writes. But we have our marching orders from Mother Mary, and we do what we can! Come Holy Spirit to bring Mama’s Triumph!

    Liked by 5 people

  21. We’ve taken the battle to public place in Lake Charles, LA. Sun.,7th over 500 people surrounded the lake & joined our rosaries with other groups praying across our great nation & groups in 50 other countries. It was just wonderful to see all those people praying the rosary in public, many kneeling on hot concrete. Onward Christian soldiers. Love, shiiela pizzolatto

    Liked by 13 people

      1. ‘Fabulous roast’ segues into an idea, -why not have a link at the top, as in ‘prayer requests’, ASOH favorite recipes, for TNRS into the kitchen 🙂

        And in unrelated news, this month’s ’emotional support’ animal that attempted to fly the friendly skies is none other than our mascot: https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2018/10/10/woman-brought-her-emotional-support-squirrel-plane-frontier-wouldnt-let-it-fly/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.34f4d0a3103d

        Liked by 1 person

  22. I’ve been having a lengthy dialog with someone who is apparently getting really frustrated, wondering why I can’t give them straight answers to their questions. Fact is, they want to argue the minute I give them an answer, so I finally asked them, “What would you rather have, answers or clarity?” If you get my meaning.

    Wandered far downriver today to stretch out and explore a new area. As usual, I wasn’t so interested in knowing what’s there as simply seeing what’s there for starters. Other than some fantastic desert scenery, I came across this in the middle of nowhere:

    I thought it might be some kind of wild squash, even though it looks like a little watermelon. It was about the size of a baseball and I found it by almost stepping on it. Maybe one of the gardeners here knows what it is.

    This second thing I came across was a bit of surprise. I’m pretty sure it’s the remains of a ’69 or ’70 Dodge Charger.

    I thought about those two things quite a bit on the long route back in. It’s a real mystery to me how that Dodge Charger came to rest on that spot unless it happened to drop there from outer space. A bit easier to imagine how that squash/watermelon/maybe-pumpkin got there… maybe a bird or some other critter helped it along. I don’t know, but I have to say I’m more interested in the story of the latter. I may completely forget to ask about it when I get to Heaven, but I suspect I’ll get that whole story eventually with a level of clarity I can’t currently imagine.

    Still pondering the good question posed earlier as to whether we’re making any headway in this war.

    Liked by 9 people

    1. MP, I’m with you: did that car drop there from outer space?

      Regarding your vegetative discovery, it looks to me sort of like a squash variety (the Green Striped Cushaw) that I grew for a number of years. It (the Green Striped Cushaw, I mean) is a Curcurbita mixta; and the C. mixta squashes are very drought tolerant. They’re also quite resistant to the insects that usually damage squashes, so they are great to grow in the bug-laden Midwest. They’re awfully pretty, but they taste rather like cardboard.

      John and Sarah, or any other squash-growers, do you have any ideas about this plant?

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Aha, the Curcurbita mixta, Green Striped Cushaw. Thanks, Mick. Maybe, I’ll just think of it as a Paddy Melon ’cause I like the Karen’s down under colloquial version. Reminds me of one of my patron Saints, and it’s green!

        Aside from the Charger being dropped there from outer space (arguably a far-fetched theory), I have a more plausible theory. I did a quick survey of that area and it looked virtually impossible to have been driven in there to that spot. ‘Course the 100 year floods could have carried it to its current resting place and it’s plausible that someone managed to drive most of the way in, even though it’s a very remote spot. Although now a rust bucket, the whole car is still there minus the tires and engine. Eventually, the elements will claim what’s left.

        Centuries or millennia hence, I hope that some other contemplative wanders that same route and stumbles upon a flourishing Paddy melon patch. That sort of thinking gives me hope.

        As for Ford Fairlane, that truly was a pig, Charlie. ‘Course when it got up to cruising speed on a long stretch, it was darn near flying.

        Liked by 5 people

      2. Mick and Michael Patrick, it is neat to see a picture of a wild squash. Most wild ones are bitter, and not very tasty, even though they are edible. This year my Delicatas mixed with my amish pumpkins. The result? Small but beautiful.
        Nick, I will send you a picture of them.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Cool, James! Are you going to save the seed and try to stabilize the cross? And what’s the flavor like: more like a Delicata, or more like a traditional pumpkin? Looking forward to a picture. 🙂

          Liked by 2 people

    2. MP, here in Australia you often see them along the roadside growing wild – if indeed it is the same thing they are known here as paddy melons. I don’t know if they are fit for human consumption but there is something similar called a pie melon which used to be used as a filler in jam making.

      As far as your Dodge Charger goes – we do get a flood of old American autos from time to time. Yesterday I saw one new to me and asked hubby about it – he has a good knowledge of the oldies from watching the early movies but said he had never heard of it – a Comet. I can’t remember the make but it looked pretty good.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Hey Karen, the Mercury Comet was the Mercury version of the Ford Maverick. It was a mid-70’s car. (Unless it was the earlier 60’s version – which was a completely different model based on the Ford Fairlane). My first car was a Fairlane (it was a total pig). A buddy of mine had a Maverick – in which we toured the eastern part of the US and Canada one summer.

        Liked by 6 people

    3. MP, as a very long termer desert guy…It is what we call a gourd. Specifically Citrullus Colocynthis.
      The indians used to make cups and stuff like that out of them when dried. They dont taste very good and have a smell to them when you crack them open.

      Liked by 2 people

    4. Looks like a Citron mellon to me
      MP. They grow wild around here too.

      https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citron_melon

      As far as the “car”, I think it is a 6o’s model era Transformer.
      Optimus Prime probably accidentally stepped on it while seeding wild mustangs.

      As far as your friend wanting answers, seems to me if the answer is never satisfying they have already made up their mind in the first place and just use the argument as a source of reassurance by either you or someone else finally agreeing with them or fine tuning thier inner belief by debating it openly.
      Jesus told Pilate that “everyone on the side of Truth listens to me”(John 18:37). If you, MP, deliver this clarity but it fails to satisfy them, is your friend really listening? Are they on the side of truth in their heart or because they are not actually seeking truth unable to listen to and understand it?

      Liked by 7 people

      1. I come across this from time to time, Phil. Virtually every time, I find that such a person is really arguing to justify their own illicit behavior. For them to concede the slightest point that touches on that nerve is to have to confront their own sorry choices. This particular person was arguing against Kavanaugh, for women’s rights (i.e. – pro abortion), and happens to own a strip club. As you can probably imagine, I haven’t the slightest qualms jumping in and slogging through the muck of strawman argurments, with or without waders… but sometimes with the grace of a bull in a china shop. So I called on the intercession of Our Mother’s Flame of Love and discerned that She was telling me to use my left hand. What? I cast with my right hand! Oh….. left hand holds the net. Trust and patience. I’m still counting on a big haul in spite of myself.

        Liked by 10 people

        1. With supernatural grace as scent and the Word for the lure, MP, your cast cannot come back empty handed they tell me. (Isaiah 55:11).
          Net at the ready….

          Liked by 5 people

  23. Praying for all of those in the path of Hurricane Michael. What a name!! No coincidence in that!! St. Michael, the Archangel, pray for us!

    Liked by 10 people

    3. Ha, Becky– as I’m reading this we’re heading back to Memphis, having experienced a mandatory evacuation from Rosemary Beach, FL. There were moments that we feared some of us wouldn’t find gas. The hurricane’s name struck me, too!

      Liked by 4 people

  24. Charlie’s latest mention of the unfolding Rescue put in my mind the huge difference between a single event Rescue and the process Rescue we are experiencing. A single event Rescue, if it were complete, would have been bewildering, catastrophic, and chaotic. So much would have had to suddenly changed that we wouldn’t have known what had happened and where we were afterward and what it meant. We would have been totally confused without an infusion of knowledge from God. The Rescue as it is unfolding enables us to also change as we must in taking each next right step in order to keep pace with God’s will in order to be able to do our own designated part as God leads us to the triumph of the Immaculate Heart. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us all.

    Liked by 11 people

  25. Sometimes it seems the dots are coming together to reveal the “big picture” that we are dealing with.

    Some dots I am seeing today that seem to connect somehow:

    1. Pope Benedict’s description of two terms in his book “Jesus of Nazareth”: The Kingdom of God and the Land.

    Short take( you gotta buy the book):

    What does “Kingdom” mean? Jesus himself is the Kingdom of God. Love and Peace.

    What does “Land” mean? What does Promised Land mean? Not a physical location. Not a map. Not a nation. A state of being. A state of mind, being and heart. A spiritual place. Where all live in freedom and peace and love. From sea to shining sea. In the first century that meant the whole world over.

    2. William McGurn in today’s 10/9/18 Wall St Journal: “Oscar Wilde’s Catholicism”.

    Little longer take:

    Oscar Wilde was a flagrant homosexual even for his own times. He became a Catholic on his deathbed in 1900.

    “Wilde’s own life and tastes, after all, were more complicated. When he arrived in Rome in 1900, he found himself attracted to both the Eternal City’s pagan past and its Catholic present, extolling the beauty of the young men he paid for even as he haunted the Vatican for a blessing from the pope. Six months later in Paris, on his deathbed, he was welcomed into the Catholic church.

    Wilde wasn’t unusual for his time. To today’s generations, Catholicism may be the Church of Intolerance. But in Wilde’s day, the church was still the Scarlet Woman, home for the disreputable and deplorable. In his play “A Woman of No Importance” the title character, who has a secret past—an illegitimate son—explains why she spends so much time in church.

    “Where else could I go?” she asks. “God’s house is the only house where sinners are made welcome.” Sin and grace in a broken world. How many who shared Wilde’s sexual attractions found similar refuge and equality at the altar rail of Rome?”

    There’s more …..

    “Wilde was no stranger to sexual scandal. Nor, for anyone familiar with its history, is the Catholic church. Today the face of scandal is Theodore McCarrick, the former cardinal accused of molesting an 11-year-old boy as well as regularly inviting seminarians to his bed.

    Notwithstanding its unpopularity, church teaching on homosexuality hasn’t fundamentally changed since St. Paul. What has changed is that the orthodoxy dominating civilization is no longer set by even a residually Judeo-Christian ethos.”

    Today we live in an age where deviancy has been defined waaaaay down. Orthodoxy itself has been changed in a secular sense. Even now threatening to change in a dogmatic sense. We are facing a New Orthodoxy that is threatening to many of us. The Marxists would call it a historical process. Thesis. Antithesis. Conflicting. Leading to a New Thesis … a New Orthodoxy.

    This New Orthodoxy is the battlefield that Mary and St Michael are contending for souls upon as we speak. The task for defenders of the Old Orthodoxy have, like we here at ASOH, is to crystalize and clarify the battle that is raging for those who are still asleep. And to emphasize the stakes for us individually and as a nation.

    There’s more ….

    “This new orthodoxy comes with a new enforcer, too. When it comes to rooting out heresy and dissent, what the Inquisition once accomplished with torture and dungeons today’s media does far more efficiently with relentless promotion of voices and ideas it wants amplified, and equally relentless neglect of voices and ideas it wants ignored. Mockery and contempt are reserved for anyone who won’t sign on.”

    The Inquisition has been replaced by Jimmy Fallon, Bill Maher, Rachel Maddow, Jim Acosta, Jake Tapper and their Hollywood confreres. The media Enforcers of a New Secular Orthodoxy.

    There’s more….

    “Even now, it’s illuminating to compare his [Cardinal McCarrick’s] treatment with the vitriol directed at John Nienstedt, who resigned in 2015 as archbishop of Minneapolis after prosecutors charged the archdiocese with failing to protect children from a sexually abusive priest. Archbishop Nienstedt has also been investigated for inappropriate sexual behavior, though nothing has been proved, no charges were ever filed, and he maintains his innocence.

    Certainly no one could claim that Archbishop Nienstedt’s handling of reports of sexual abuse in his diocese was anything but a disaster. And if credible proof emerges he himself was an abuser, by all means let him answer for it. Still, it’s hard not to notice that what really seems to distinguish Archbishop Nienstedt from former Cardinal McCarrick is that the former spoke out publicly for his church’s teaching by supporting a Minnesota ballot measure to ban same-sex marriage.

    In so doing, Archbishop Nienstedt challenged the prevailing secular orthodoxy in a way Cardinal McCarrick never did. Which may explain why until recently a media that otherwise delights in bringing down Catholic prelates was decidedly uninterested in investigating the many rumors that swirled around Cardinal McCarrick while he was still active in church life.”

    This a shocking example of how the “media” discriminates and shades the “story” to advance the New Orthodoxy party line.

    There’s more…

    “It should go without saying that not every gay priest is a predator, that many are holy men, and that the church doesn’t need a witch hunt to root out anyone suspected of being gay. But when the main study on sex abuse by American clergy reports that 81% of victims were male—and largely postpubescent—how tenable is the proposition that homosexuality hasn’t a thing to do with priestly sex abuse?

    “I can resist everything but temptation,” Wilde once quipped. What might he have made of the new orthodoxy trying to impose itself on the church he ultimately called his own—and of pope, cardinals and bishops so plainly embarrassed by their own teaching?”

    Whodda thunk? Oscar Wilde as the avatar for the battle raging around us. A sinner. A shining exemplar and pioneer of the New Orthodoxy. The prodigal child. Returning to the Prodigal Father on his deathbed. A reconciliation of the New Orthodoxy with the Old Orthodoxy. A coming home of the wayward boy.

    How do we in 2018 become facilitators of such a reconciliation? It seems to be a core challenge for the Church in the 21st century.

    3. Wesley Pruden in today’s 10/9/18 Washington Times: Singing only sad songs is no fun.

    “Some Democrats felt like crying when the Senate confirmed Brett Kavanaugh, and some of them did. Some of them are throwing tantrums like a 3-year-old. Some of them have taken refuge in a vow to get even, which is fair enough if they keep “getting even” cleaner than Chuck Schumer and Dianne Feinstein did over the last days of the confirmation fight. A writer for Jimmy Fallon, the late-night television entertainer, takes consoling satisfaction in “ruining Brett Kavanaugh’s life.”

    Charles Blow of The New York Times doesn’t like white folks much and he told his dispirited readers how to get back at them short of termination with extreme prejudice. (That may come later if all else fails.) “Rue the day,” he said. “Rend your garments. Then step back, view the entirety of the battle in which you are engaged, and understand that [Justice] Kavanaugh is just one part of a much larger plan by conservatives to fundamentally change the political structure so that it enshrines and protects white male power even after America’s changing demographics and mores move away from that power.” (Save your rope, boys, revenge is on the way as soon as we make some more babies and import some more terrorists.)

    The bad guys, using President Trump as “just a useful idiot, a temporary anomaly,” he writes, “are thinking generationally, not in terms of the next election cycle but in terms of the next epoch.”

    The advocates for the Secular New Orthodoxy are in this fight for the long term. Don’t expect them to depart the battlefield just because they lost one.

    There’s more……

    “He has a point, a point shared by every serious politician, Republican, Democrat, independent and other. Making change, and making change last, is what politics is all about. But some Democrats have apparently concluded that they can’t win unless they change the rules. Striking out wouldn’t be so frequent if the Democrats could get four strikes and white folks only three. Then the radicals could really get things done. All the levers of power are now in Republican hands. That’s unfair and in some way that must be rectified.”

    The old rules for playing the game of democracy are no longer being followed. Those rules were/are unfair and gotta be changed. So we can win. Forever. The New Orthodoxy is to be enthroned by other means.

    “Phillip Bump, an unhappy columnist at The Washington Post, agrees. (If Bump and Blow agree, who can say against them?) Mr. Bump observes that Mr. Kavanaugh was “an unpopular nominee confirmed by senators representing less than half of the total U.S. population (not to mention that he was nominated by a president who lost the popular vote). The Senate these days can reach a majority with the votes of senators representing 17 percent of the population. And besides, most those senators are right-handed. That should tell us something.

    Aaron Blake of The Washington Post, who has his own understanding of how things should work, complains that some states have more power than others. He discovered that California has more people than Wyoming, and that raises the possibility that other small states would have more to say about electing presidents and confirming Supreme Court justices than big states like California and New York and Illinois.

    “At some point,” he writes, “Democrats may need to ask themselves why they are consistently on the short end of that set-up. Is it because the system is inherently biased against a left-leaning political party? Or is it because they have been outmaneuvered at nearly every turn and failed to make sure they turned what has regularly been a majority of the votes for their side into actual political power?”

    Or is it that what the Democrats and the liberals are selling has begun to smell bad after all these years, and most voters are not addicted to stink. Saying the elections are rigged against you may make you feel good, in a weird sort of way. But the feeling doesn’t last.”

    The problem for the New Orthodoxy is this: What they are selling we ain’t buying. Thus the rules must be changed.

    And finally there’s this…..

    “The Democrats and the liberals were winning for so long that it never occurred to any of them that the good old days wouldn’t last forever. But the good old days didn’t, and now they’re as ill-tempered as the alligator the day the creek went dry.

    Democrats have won many elections under the rules obtaining, and they will one day elect presidents again who nominate men and women to the Supreme Court. The fault, the Bard said, is not in the stars, but in ourselves. That can be a painful lesson, but not learning it will be most painful of all.”

    4. Fr. Richard Heilman and the Holy League:

    “7 October, 2018 – Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary: At last count, 57 nations from around the world joined together to call out to God, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Michael and the nine Choirs of Angels, and all the Saints, to reclaim the surrendered ground of the planet earth back to God.

    In many ways, most believed Satan had gained a “greater power” throughout the world over the past several decades, primarily by capturing all of the major institutions. A Washington Times article wrote:
    “For the past 50 years, every major institution has been captured by the radical secular left. The media, Hollywood, TV, universities, public schools, theater, the arts, literature – they relentlessly promote the false gods of sexual hedonism and radical individualism….

    Most would add to this, “Government” and even the “Church.”

    RECLAIMING SURRENDERED GROUND OF AMERICA

    Evil became very aggressive in the final days, leading up to October 7, as the “Arch of Baal” was planted on our Nation’s Capitol grounds. It was unveiled on the National Mall on September 26th, and it remained there until September 29th (the day we all started praying the Chaplet of St. Michael). Just one day after this arch was put up, Brett Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford testified before Congress.

    Baal is one of the seven princes of Hell. According to Christian demonology, Baal was ranked as the first and principal king in Hell, ruling over the East. Both Baal and Moloch are associated with child sacrifice and the lust for power. It has been pointed out that an arch is a “gateway”, and many are concerned that erecting this arch may be an open invitation for the entity or entities that were originally associated with this arch.

    Planting this Arch of Baal on our Nation’s Capitol grounds is not unlike planting a flag to claim possession of a LAND. As Washington, DC is our Nation’s Capitol, evil was claiming all of America. This could not go unchallenged.

    I knew we needed to reclaim surrendered territory, and we did. First, we had an exorcist with us who did an “exorcism of place” over all of our Nation’s Capitol. He told me he did it twice, for good measure.

    Then, at the conclusion of the National Rosary Rally in front of our nation’s Capitol, I asked the 100s of Special Forces Prayer Warriors, present, to accept this mission ….

    I brought out 100s of bottles of very powerful Epiphany Holy Water & Salt that was exorcised and blessed by Fr. Z in an hour long ritual on the Vigil of the Epiphany. Exorcists claim this is especially powerful stuff. Also, I brought 100s of Green Scapulars touched to a Relic of the True Cross that was rescued during the 1944 Normandy D-Day invasion (read about it HERE).

    I asked the 100s of Special Forces Prayer Warriors there to take these and go about the Capitol grounds, blessing with Holy Water and Bless Salt and hide the Green Scapulars everywhere.”

    5. Charlie Johnston. ASOH. TNRS.

    Did God intend Charlie to be a good prophet? Or a good coach? Coaches teach the team how to win. Every good coach loses one every now and again. The winning game plan: Acknowledge God, take the next right step right in front of you, and be a sign of hope for those around you. You need a winning game plan to win the championship. You need good strong aggressive players. You need lots of practice to execute the game plan. And some good coaches too.

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Do these dots seem to be connecting for you? We are presently engaged in a battle for the Kingdom. For the Land. At its bottom it is a spiritual battle. We are battling for the Land which is really a space of and for the spirit …. the state of being, mind and heart … Love, Peace, Freedom, Reconciliation, Forgiveness, Salvation … that Jesus came to preach and personify. That which is The Kingdom. Here on Earth and in Heaven. In the Natural plane of existence and in the spiritual plane of existence. It all comes together.

    Some wish to abolish it. Some wish to defend it. The New Secular Orthodoxy vs The Dogma of The Church. We are fighting to reclaim the Land. The Kingdom.

    We seem to have a dual task ahead of us. In the Church and In the World.

    The common theme of these two struggles in both the Church and the World: Is the Dogma … the Old Orthodoxy … in both the Church as described by Bill McGurn and in the World as described by Wes Pruden… something to be defended and fought for? Or abandoned to a New Thesis of how both the Church and the World are to ordered from here on out?

    We have to choose. Is it to be Hell on the Land as exemplified by the New Secular Orthodoxy? Or, is it to be the Kingdom of God on the Land as fully incorporated in the Dogma of the Church?

    How do we win that battle? We might well start by meditating on the life and culmination of Oscar Wilde in light of the Greatest Parable. The parable of the Prodigal Son and the Prodigal Father. The one in which we literally see this battle for the Land played out. Culminating in the Prodigal effusion of love and mercy and forgiveness poured out on the most prodigal son by the most prodigal father.

    A Church for the sinners and the disreputable and the deplorables. A marvel. Worth fighting for.

    A Nation for those seeking freedom. A marvel. Worth fighting for.

    Good Land. A marvel. Worth fighting for.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHUFiG1YBwc

    Liked by 12 people

    1. Some marvellous stuff there, Ed. Thank you.

      However, I’m a bit disappointed to see Mr. McGurn rehashing this old canard: “what the Inquisition once accomplished with torture and dungeons…”

      A lot of study has been done in recent years debunking the “black legend”, which was a purely Protestant invention beginning in the 16th century and reaching its fevered crescendo in the 19th and into the 20th as well. This is only an example of the many resources that can be found out there:

      https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/history/the-myth-of-the-spanish-inquisition.html

      (What really amazed me is that one of the references in that link is to a BBC production. Wow!!!. The Bolshevik Broadcasting Corporation being impartial towards religion, and in particular Catholicism???)

      You can still find that sort of thing in certain fundy circles, and of course semi-educated lefties love to trot it out ad nauseam. Some quite well educated ones do so too, of course. Unfortunately, the Protestant population in the northern part of my own dear island is infected with it to a largish enough extent also.

      I’d also question that Wilde was “flagrantly” homosexual, especially in the context of late 19th century British society. He was the father of 2 children, and while his pose of aestheticism could be seen as over the top, even on the edge of effeminacy, I think this was calculated to a certain extent, to further his deliberately cultivated persona – and that helped to sell his books and plays. He wasn’t a very rich man, and had to work hard. Anyway, the public seems to have loved it, as witness his tour of the US. His actual deviant goings on were carried out behind closed doors, and he came to that sort of thing relatively late in life. That phenomenon was shared by a significant portion of the aristocracy and upper classes – look up the “Cleveland St. scandal” for a window into what actually went on. The keyword was “don’t be found out”, and in that context behaving as a “flagrant” homo wouldn’t have gone down well with the very audience Wilde sought. That said, I must re-read Richard Ellman’s marvellous biography of him, now about 30 years old.

      God bless all – I’m off walking the Via de la Plata from Seville to Merida, one of the Spanish Caminos and not all that well known as opposed to the northern ones. Bit late in the year due to commitments work and choral, but it should work out, God willing. At least the rain (and some is forecast) should be warm… 😉

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you for this clarification jaykay, concerning the inquisition. Great Blessings of the Lord be upon you as your journey the Via de la Plata. Please carry us in your heart of prayer as you walk each step by blessed next right step of the trail! May the graces of your pilgrimage abound so that your every dream may come true in God’s Will for you, J.

        Liked by 3 people

  26. After thought: Also each of our individual contributions in a single event Rescue and its aftermath would have been much less important than within a process Rescue as the storm increases and we will need each others support. Hold fast to the barque of Peter and pray that our Pope will secure that barque to the pillars of the Holy Eucharist and Our Blessed Mother.

    Liked by 6 people

  27. Calling our Angels to protect us. Please keep praying with us:
    The Auxilium Christianorum prayers we are using for St. Michael’s Lent can be found: HERE

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Sansan, please excuse me for putting a small comment to STEd and JASojourner under your own comment – I am taking the liberty because of your gravatar.

      It could be Ed – that Blessed Mother’s title of Sansan’s image also refers to the Kingdom/Land. The Lady of All Nations, aka Mother of All Peoples, most likely refers both to countries AND to individual hearts.

      And JAS, might it be possible that all of the problems that make up our individual Storms, and the collective Storm, are mercifully serving to get us all – Nations/Peoples/Land – into a frame of mind or most effective disposition in order for the Good Lord to obtain the desired fruit of a single-event Illumination of Conscience that will change hearts of stone into hearts of flesh – hearts that will wondrously be led by the Holy Spirit (through the restored Church of Light) through all the chaos?

      Mother does say often in the MMP Blue Book that the purification will start with the Church – we had the signal September 2017. What other signal might there be Oct 13, 2018? JAThought!

      Liked by 6 people

      2. Karen, Ed, JAS, awesome stuff! Wow, from connecting the dots (well done!) to a little psycho analysis (love it), to identifying how the storm rages and we cling to the ship! Karen, as you were observing about hearts of stone turning to flesh as what we are praying for… I had a thought… that we (or at lease I need to for sure) need to pray that we are open to recognizing the moments (even if on someone’s deathbed) when those hearts do turn… I want to recognize it so that I can trust in yet another person on our side of the battle (maybe they weren’t our explicit enemy before, but they weren’t someone we necessarily trusted yet either)…. Oh Lord, I am Asking so that we may receive, Seeking so we can find, and Knocking so the doors will open – God bless us all here!

        Liked by 4 people

        1. Bill, you are probably a lot like me and many others, we recognise moments of grace often in hindsight. We kick ourselves and say “Ah, no, I could’ve done this, should’ve said that…” . We commit to being more aware next time and then next time presents – and it happens again. I put it down to teaching from the Holy Spirit – He knows me far better than I know myself. I have often prayed for my children to “find that right person” to bring them to the narrow path. You are right and I join you in praying we become more aware of the Lord’s placement of kindred hearts in our daily lives. Thank you.

          Liked by 5 people

  29. Hi Charlie

    Your vision of troubles with China is playing out. I have watched POTUS Trump and his entire trade delegate and they seem like they are very well prepared and will not blink even VP Pence speech was resonating the same thing. Knowing how they operate they need to be put in place once and for all. Their only strategy is violent confrontation and bullying. They really dont have any motives of peace but to encroach on others lands and resources and to bribe.

    So hope power gets taken from them and they learn to live peacefully rather than oppress.

    Liked by 4 people

  30. I’m looking for Happy News … but it’s in short supply …. These Days……
    Lots of Prayer need for Florida and any number of other places plagued with natural and man made disaster! ;-(

    MILINET: Articles for Christians
    ================
    California dioceses release lists of priests accused of sex abuse

    https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2018/10/09/California-dioceses-release-lists-of-priests-accused-of-sex-abuse/7131539105334/?sl=20

    Hairstylist seen in video kicking pro-life demonstrator is arrested — and police allege it’s not his first attack

    https://www.foxnews.com/world/hairstylist-seen-in-video-kicking-pro-life-demonstrator-is-arrested-and-police-allege-its-not-his-first-attack

    The Holy See’s blindness–John David Powell
    https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2018/10/the_holy_sees_blindness.html#ixzz5TQAoE6kB

    N. Korean leader invites pope to Pyongyang
    http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2018/10/09/0200000000AEN20181009001800315.html

    and:

    Pope says abortion is like hiring ‘contract killer’

    https://www.france24.com/en/20181010-pope-says-abortion-like-hiring-contract-
    killer

    The Misplaced Priorities of Youth Synod

    https://www.crisismagazine.com/2018/the-misplaced-priorities-of-youth-synod-organizers

    Plus:

    Where’s the outrage over Hillary’s call for a ‘civil’ war?
    https://nypost.com/2018/10/09/wheres-the-outrage-over-hillarys-call-for-a-civil-war/

    McConnell Points to Hillary’s Call for Dems to Abandon Civility, Warns the ‘Madness Hasn’t Stopped’

    https://townhall.com/tipsheet/laurettabrown/2018/10/09/mcconnell-points-to-hillarys-call-for-dems-to-abandon-civility-warns-the-madness-hasnt-stopped-n2526946

    Rand Paul’s Wife Sleeps With a Loaded Gun Because of Threats Made by the Left

    https://townhall.com/tipsheet/bethbaumann/2018/10/09/rand-pauls-wife-sleeps-with-a-loaded-gun-because-of-threats-made-by-the-left-video-n2526999

    GOD SAVE ALL HERE!!

    Liked by 8 people

      1. Agreed, Doug. Thank you once again, CD! Without your notice I would have missed Mr Kirkpatrick’s new article about the complicit connection between the hierarchical supporters of homosexuality and Islam. The claim to indiscriminately look after the stranger (read immigrant/refugee) at the expense of plain common sense, not to mention St. Thomas Aquinas and the Catechism, beggars belief. Moreover, the connection between supporting those two issues must be made known as we identify the truly Good Shepherds from the hirelings.

        Liked by 3 people

  31. Well Charlie, at least your posts have a lot of “teeth”. Too many on the left are “gumming” up reality and
    “filling” us with ideological lies. It is good to be here and “crowned” with truth.

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Will we ever be able to “bridge” the differences between us and the “amalgam” of our liberal brothers and sisters? Will they ever see their errors and find the courage to “extract” and reject their Godless beliefs and instead “implant” the idea of truth, mercy, and love? I find this thought very “palate”-able.

      (Groan. I gave it my best shot, Doug. Boy, it’s tough yet you make it look so easy.)

      Liked by 6 people

      2. Nicely done, Patrick. Well here’s a report regarding our mutual prelate, now Bishop Steven. He’s instructed one of his priests in his diocese to remove kneelers that for almost 2 years now had allowed the elderly and disabled to be better able to kneel to receive Our Lord, IF they wanted. This shepherd is determined that the USCCB’s “norms” of standing to receive WILL be followed since to do otherwise causes confusion. Get that? CONFUSION?!!! And still Mary’s Immaculate Heart will triumph and I pray for my Bishop daily.

        Liked by 4 people

        2. Over 20 years ago in California, I had a priest in the Bay area refuse to give me Holy Communion when I knelt to receive. I had another priest in the LA suburbs give me Holy Communion, but then after Mass he told me to examine my conscience in order to see if I were kneeling out of pride. Funny… I thought I was kneeling out of reverence. Who knew? 🙂

          Liked by 4 people

          1. During Lent last year, when I was kneeling to receive Communion, the priest rolled his eyes and asked me if I always did that, or was it just for Lent. Doh!

            Liked by 2 people

          2. Mick, I’ve been refused too for kneeling (which is forbidden by the Congregation for Divine Worship) and I’ve been told that I think I am holier than the Pope. Like St. Francis said, “Oh, Master grant that I may never seek to be understood.” It is good to accept humiliations.

            I had a “Ghandi-like” thought many years ago as Eucharistic Ministers began to be used more and more for less than “extraordinary” circumstances. I thought that perhaps God would be more likely to honor our pleas to send us holy priests if we would honor the priesthood by accepting His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity from consecrated fingers alone.

            I know that He is always faithful so I thought that I would be faithful in this matter at least.

            Liked by 2 people

            1. It really is important, Patrick and SJM, to hold people to account in order to keep potential victims safe and to tend to the wounded ones and extend mercy to all… even the abusers. How often such folks were abused in their own childhoods and are the walking wounded, former victims become victimizers. Lord have mercy on us all. Please heal Your people. Rouse Your Power and come to bring us back and set us free.

              Liked by 2 people

  32. “…as we progressively normalize and tolerate disordered and deviant behavior, the incidence of serious assaults on the norms that make civil society possible will grow exponentially and, eventually, threaten the foundations of society, itself.”

    As I knew well in advance, I’ve been encountering situation I’d rather not in my pursuit of an NP degree. Birth control is one such issue. A physician assistant I was shadowing was going to give a young gal an injection of a contraceptive. She asked if I’d care to administer it, but I politely declined without giving a reason. Eventually, though, I *will* find myself in a position where a decision not to participate in prescribing or giving birth control will be met with anger or force (coercion). Perhaps not as a student, but it’s just a matter of time – unless I find a safe niche like hospice….although even hospice care has its challenges (battles) regarding euthanasia.

    Well, my preceptor and I took care of a sick little 1-year-old yesterday. And her caregivers were 2 homosexual men. “Awkward” I suppose is the best word to describe the encounter. They both had thick gold wedding bands. They were young, they were polite. We examined “their” little girl, but eventually she began shrieking. She wouldn’t stop screaming or crying for the duration of the exam, but the odd thing was that neither of the men seemed able to calm her down or console her. They were probably still new to her as they were in the process of adopting.

    Just a snapshot. No real comment here other than adding to Charlie’s post. It’s just something I had to experience. And I did so with love and respect, of course, as did my wonderful preceptor. We spoke afterward about it as two Christians, lamenting how inappropriate it was, that studies are showing how same-sex parenting adversely affects the children, “man and woman He created them” and the like. We noted that we could not refuse care (as that would penalize the child) nor would we criticize them for their lifestyle choice or decision to adopt. It’s just the way things are at present. The new norm? Hmmmm……

    Liked by 11 people

    1. Not long, Patrick. Not long before you will be able to work in your wonderful ministry of bringing God’s health and healing to His people without any pressure to compromise God’s Laws.

      Liked by 11 people

        1. Praise God this doesn’t last forever, Doug! Every praise of God is an antidote to evil. And we know what blinds the evil one:

          Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee,
          blessed are Thou among women,
          and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus.
          Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
          spread the effect of grace of Thy Flame of Love over all of humanity,
          now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

          Liked by 11 people

  34. Is he running a business? “It’s not our policy…” Disgusting! The Holy Father ALONE has legitimate authority to correct, with discipline, Cardinal Cupich. Please, Holy Father, protect us from the wolves.

    Deliver us, O Lord.

    https://www.cnsnews.com/blog/michael-w-chapman/chicago-cardinal-cupich-not-our-policy-deny-communion-gay-married-couples?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cns&utm_campaign=b-ChicagoCardinalCulpichNotOurPolicyToDenyGayCouples

    Liked by 6 people

  35. It seems every time we take a step forward, we take 50 back. It is as if God has withdrawn his grace totally. Everytime I think we have the enemy cornered he escapes. It is frustrating me to the point of despair. Abortion on demand, Same Sex Blah blah, Porn Porn Porn everywhere you look, the pope with some weird stick, priests on the run, and no end in sight. Not feeling this rescue, like you guys. I really wish I did.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Well, Teddy, as weary-provoking as it is, several hopeful thoughts emerge for me:
      1. What had been hidden in darkness for sooooooo long is now in the Light of Christ as we slog through the pus-draining phase of these old, festering, rotting wounds.
      2. Since it will seem evil has won when things are at their worst, we can’t be far from the Shores of Rescue.
      3. One of the purposes of the Storm is to have impurities burned out of each and every one of us, so it is fitting to offer this weariness in reparation for my own sins.
      4. It is a completely humbling time. While we each have next right steps to take, it cannot be more obvious that we cannot get through these difficulties without God.

      Praying for you, Teddy, and for all who are tempted to despair.

      Liked by 13 people

        1. You know, Teddy, I think we all have been and will be tempted to fear and despair. It just goes with the territory. Just one of the reasons why I love the people in this community: It’s a great place to lift each other up.

          Liked by 12 people

                  2. I’m happy to raise my glass in a toast to Justice Kavanaugh, although I will be substituting iced tea (I loathe beer and all things alcoholic… except port, Moscato, and Baileys Irish Cream). 🙂

                    Liked by 6 people

                    3. Hahahaha! Um, in case you haven’t noticed, BD, I AM a girl (and I want a pink Hello Kitty Glock). 🙂

                      Really, though, I can’t tolerate the taste of alcohol unless it is sweet enough to be cough syrup. Maybe it’s because when I was a kid, my parents’ wine of choice was cherry-flavored Mogen David.

                      Liked by 3 people

      2. Weary-provoking is a good way of putting it Beckita.
        Sacraments and adoration Teddy!
        We’ll only get through this clinging to God and there is still quite a bit of puss-draining yet to do.

        Liked by 7 people

    2. Oh Teddy, we’re not necessarily “feeling” the rescue, but seeing little signs here and there. I personally feel as though I’m on a roller coaster of feelings! I just had to tell you how you cracked me up with the “Pope with some weird stick” phrase. I’ve seen it on Fr. Z’s place and yes, it is a weird stick. My reaction was similar to feeling stress and all of a sudden you start laughing; nature’s stress relief. Thanks for the laugh! We’ll get serious again soon enough!

      Liked by 7 people

    3. Teddy, I’m not feeling the rescue either. But one lesson that life has beaten into me is to not trust in my feelings. Rather, I try (with varying degrees of success and failure) to keep my eyes on Jesus rather than on the wind and the waves. As soon as I take my eyes off of him, I start to sink like a rock, like Peter did. (Hey, I just made a pun and didn’t even mean to.) But if I, if WE, can manage to just train our eyes on Him, no matter what, then “all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”

      My favorite Scriptural passage along these lines is Proverbs 3:5-6. A very close second is Matthew 11:28-29.

      Hang in there, buddy; it’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming. 🙂

      Liked by 13 people

      1. Punny, Mick. You just have to love St. Peter. Stout, practical… bravado and all in the early stages… but he gave it all in the end. Maybe better to say, the beginning.

        I’ve made no bones about it these many years (i.e. – staring too long at horrors and running the risk of getting transfixed), but don’t take my word for it. Our loving Mother warns, yes, but has cautioned us repeatedly against dwelling on chastisements, events, the horrors of the day and the like. What, or rather Who, has she been directing us to for millennia?

        A good friend just lost his eldest to drugs in the past couple of days. What can one say/do in the face of such a tragedy for this family? The obvious of course, but more importantly I continue to pour my heart out in prayer that they are showered in Grace, that the soul is showered in Mercy, and that they give it all to Jesus. None of this makes sense without Jesus.

        There’s somewhere around 7.6 billion people on the planet… and all the sin and evil therein. I could compare all that sin to the seemingly endless sand, dust, rock, and thorny scrub of the desert. The sort of thing folks don’t go out there to see, particularly when the heat is beating down. Oh, it’s impossible to ignore as you crunch along, sweat stinging the eyes that strain to see, grit all over the clothes and in the mouth. Nondescript scrub and cacti litter snagging at the pant leg and biting at the flesh.

        It’s quite impossible to ignore obviously, but I don’t go out into the desert to see all that any more than the next person would, thus I’ve shared the occasional image of the desert in bloom, the wild critters out there doing exactly what God designed them to do, a lush river habitat, birds, a wild squash, etc. Whatever beauty God has provided, and yet another practiced opportunity to focus and give thanks. As CJ has said, “we don’t get Heaven until we get Heaven.” But there’s glimpses here and there that help sustain us in difficult times.

        Oh, there’s opportunities everywhere to help us develop better habits. When I’m out and about, there always seems to be a baby somewhere. Is there anything better in humanity than an innocent baby? One look into those faces and all seems momentarily right in the world. “Hey, sweet little innocent baby, you are a joy… a gift from Joy Himself… and I give you what little joy I have back with this weathered face… storing away this moment for when I will truly need to lean on it for support. Remember me when my hour strikes, and I will remember you.”

        It’s easy to find dusty, trying, ugly things in the desert. I could give you a litany of the horrors that threaten to derail me at any moment of the day.

        But I won’t do it. Not now, not ever.

        Liked by 6 people

        1. Nice, Michael. It sure has been a source of great joy doing well-child exams on the little infants here in Indian country. It’s impossible not to light up inside when looking at the sweet face of an innocent baby. What an awesome miracle. “The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these….

          Liked by 6 people

          1. It is such a neat phenomenon to see a big gnarly tatood dude talk baby talk to a tiny infant.
            Our humanity is at its best at the beginning and the end of life when raw uninhibited emotion fill us with joy or sorrow. These are times when the veil is at its thinnest and the doorway to heaven is a wee bit open.

            Liked by 5 people

          2. Excellent, Patrick. Excellent. There’s joy to be had just knowing you get to work with babies. God is full of surprises, isn’t he?! Always better than we imagined. I saw that population graph showing growth over some 4,000 years, with that 7.6 billion sharp uphill ebbing up top. The harvest is ripe! Imagine! Every single one of the redeemed will ultimately be as innocent as a newly baptized babe again, albeit with some glorious battle scars. God is Good!

            Liked by 3 people

        3. Man, MP… you are such a poet. 🙂

          Prayers for you and yours; and prayers for your friend, for his family, and for the repose of his son’s soul.

          Liked by 4 people

        4. Well MP, I have heard it said that we are to bloom where we are planted. It seems with all that is going on that we are in a cultural desert. So I dare say our role is to “bloom in the desert”. Sorry to hear about your friends son (I assume son?). My prayers of Devine mercy are offered up.

          Liked by 2 people

      2. Great verse Mick! My go-to verse is Matthew 6:33-34…

        “33 But seek first the kingdom [of God] and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. 34 Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”

        …always helps me to stay focused and alleviate any angst or anxiety over today’s news….

        Liked by 3 people

        1. Billbad, I love that passage, too. 🙂

          Hey, nice turnout on Sunday for the Rosary Coast to Coast event! It was heartening to see so many people willing to go out to pray on a cold, rainy, Sunday afternoon… especially during football season. I was also impressed by the number of kids there. Unfortunately, like a couple of idjits, my husband and I left the diaper bag at the church… ha! Our friends that go to Adoration there picked it up on Monday, so we’ll have to get it from them sometime.

          So, were you the dude leading the Rosary?

          Liked by 2 people

          1. LOL, left a couple of diaper bags in places before as well! Yes, it was a nice turn out, and had it not been for the kids and some of the older folks, we might have tried it outside, but it was just miserable! I wish we could have met… yup, I was the dude leading the Rosary. In hind sight, I wish I would have talked to Brian Flynn to do some music and coordinated better with Fr. Eric to move right into Adoration, but I am just so happy we had so many people there and join in!

            Liked by 3 people

            1. Yep, Billbad, I’m sorry that I didn’t get to meet you. When you headed for the sacristy after the Rosary, I thought about heading back there to say hello. But then I was like, “What if that’s not Billbad? Then I’ll look like a complete dork asking, ‘Are you Billbad?'” Then I was hoping you’d come out into the main part of the church and say hello; then I remembered that you don’t know what I look like (well, except that I look like somebody who’s not a regular at St. Mary’s). Oh, well; we’ll have to figure out some other way to meet some other time. 🙂

              I really liked the meditations that you read before each mystery of the Rosary. Could you tell me where you found them? If they’re in a book, I’d like to look for a copy.

              Brian Flynn on the music would’ve been amazing. He was part of the “band” that played and sang at the Diocesan Assembly on September 22, wasn’t he?

              Last thing: I LOVED the statue of… what was the title? “Our Lady of Westphalia”? That is one of the most beautiful statues of the Blessed Mother that I have ever seen. My little girl was quite taken with it, too. 🙂

              Liked by 2 people

              1. Mick, I had thought about heading back that way, but we had parked off to the side of the church, so I grabbed my family up front and we went out that way… would have been nice to say hello… sorry about that!

                I used the meditations from theholyrosary.org, as I found them meaningful.

                Yes, Brian played the guitar closest to the alter up front… beautiful voice!

                I do believe they call the statue Our Lady of Westphalia, and I absolutely love that statue!!!

                Thanks for the prayers, and I’m sure we’ll meet at the Ark sometime!

                God bless!

                Liked by 2 people

    3. This is precisely why the Pope’s abandonment of the Church in China may become a millstone around his neck. Prayers for his repentance and for the underground Church’s protection.

      Liked by 5 people

    4. Uyghurs are Islamic. Not that believing in Islam is in itself a reason to be held in “vocational training centers”. However, as the article at this link indicates, when China’s government took action against sectarian secession (mainly coming from Uyghur sources in its Western frontier), the result has been “vocational training centers”.

      As some of you are aware, when Christians and Muslims end up in the same refugee camps (or boats) anywhere in the world the atrocities enacted upon Christians are usually horrific. Bekita, what is your opinion of the possible “coming together of believers and non-believers” in opposition to their Communist overlords?

      Liked by 2 people

      2. Yes, Uyghurs are Muslim people, III. I believe that we are to become one flock under one shepherd as this has been relayed by various sources and Charlie is one to whom this was shown/told. Those who believe in the messages of Garabandal, as well as additional messages from other sources, know that the Warning will show each one of us the state of our souls in the Light of God. I can only imagine that graces imparted at that time of interior purification will leave one yearning for Truth and when Jesus, Who is Truth, is found, we shall indeed become ONE just as He yearned for us to be One as conveyed in His Last Supper Discourse. All that said, these are great mysteries yet to be lived and I surrender my own beliefs and understandings to God’s Perfect Plan, however He deems best to unfold it.

        Liked by 1 person

  37. One way to approach this is the vocational crisis issue. Would any sane person want their son to enter a seminary if they weren’t very sure that the seminary in question had been cleansed from the homosexual and effeminate crowd. Steve Wood on Catholic radio mentioned a survey of masculinity among various groups of men and it was reported that some seminaries showed measures of masculinity among priests, not stated which priests or how done, just above passive male homosexuals.

    Liked by 3 people

  38. Just received bad news about one of our new priests from India. He’s been my confessor the past couple months and he heard my confession on the first night of veneration of Padre Pio. Boy, it hurts to relay this:

    “Dear Parishioners,

    On Tuesday morning, October 2nd, Fr John Praveen was arrested by representatives of the Rapid City Police Department and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Fr John is charged with two counts of sexual contact with a juvenile under the age of sixteen.

    “We have been cooperating fully with law enforcement personnel since we first learned of the allegations on Monday evening, October 1st. Fr John is being detained in jail until his arraignment on Wednesday. When the diocese learned of these allegations, Fr John was immediately suspended from his priestly responsibilities and from all public ministry.”

    “My sincere prayers go up to our Lord and to our Lady for the victim and the family. My thanks and appreciation go out to them for not hesitating or delaying to take the necessary and fitting action of reporting their concerns to law enforcement. As a community of faith, we are truly committed to maintaining a safe environment for all our parishioners, especially for our children and our vulnerable adults. When something seems wrong or strange or inappropriate, then the matter must be brought forward to the proper authorities. I commend the family for contacting the local police and making their report.”

    😔 Et cetera. My take is this probably only involved Fr. John and wasn’t part of organized corruption, although the permissive culture in the Church we see set before us may have been a significant contributing factor. At the moment, these are allegations, and I must remind myself he is innocent until proven guilty.

    On the positive side, as with other crimes we have had here recently, the Rapid City diocese does not run for cover but clearly acknowledges them and explains how they intend to address them to move forward.

    Please pray for Fr. John.
    Saint John Vianney, pray for us.
    Saint Padre Pio, pray for us.

    Liked by 7 people

      1. Thank you, B. Erroneously, my first thought was,”Oh dear….arrested! Poor Father John! In jail. The humiliation!” Then the Lord showed me immediately: “No! There is a young victim!” That is the true tragedy.” I wept heavily last night, praying for mercy and thinking: “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” My sins, oh Lord, my many, many sins….I’m so sorry; have mercy on me, and on the whole world.

        Father John assisted the mass before the presentation of Padre Pio’s relics that was presided by a joyful, emotional Bishop Gruss. Father John retained an unusually stoic expression throughout the ceremony. And during my confession, he was oddly shaking like a leaf, and seemed to force a smile when he said, “Praise God…your sins have been forgiven.” I strangely felt like he needed a hug after the absolution he gave me, though I didn’t….

        Please pray for our good shepherd Bishop Robert Gruss and our pastor Father Brian Christensen who were likely far more devastated by the news than I was, and who must continue to console the flock….

        Oh, to be human….

        Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this life you have given us! Have mercy on us.

        Liked by 4 people

        3. I am so sorry. Prayers for al your intentions, prayers for the priest and bishop. So sad. May God heal the priest and the victim.

          Liked by 3 people

          1. THANK you, Thankful 4 Mercy. Another small part of this is the sadness of losing priests because we have too few of them. We recently had a priest from Poland who was caught stealing from the collections, and he is now in treatment per bishop Gruss’ order. Again, there but for the grace of God. We continue in our struggles to stay on the narrow path. I do see incidences like these as an opportunity for correction, healing, and growth, and ultimately salvation.

            Liked by 4 people

            2. Thank you, Patrick. How sad!! I just keep thinking that I do need everyone’s prayers so much as if a priest can do this what am I capable of. Very wise words from you. Thank you!

              Liked by 3 people

        4. Let me clarify my comment to Beckita above which I wrote while very fatigued: My confessed sins are forgiven, and I do not doubt or question that fact. Jesus has already forgotten them. What I should have said was, “My sinful nature, Lord, oh my disordered desires…please, I (like Fr John) will always need your help and your mercy.”

          Also, “There, but for the grace of God, go I” perhaps wasn’t the best choice of sayings as my sinful leanings are different than his. But you all still knew what I meant: we share that common *inclination* to sin.

          OK. Nuff said. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

    3. At a former parish in Chicago, Patrick, we had a beloved priest from India that was alleged to have had inappropriate relations with a teenage female who worked after school in the rectory. Sadly he became a fugitive and never faced the accusations. I saw him leaving early from a church function held at a banquet hall as he was leaving early. I was in the parking lot on my way into the ceremony as he was covertly on the run to flee back to Asia. He was one of my favorite confessors too. Sigh.

      I am praying for Fr. John, for all of our shepherds, and for all sinners.

      ❤

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Thanks Jen. It’s infuriating to hear of someone dodging due justice. It’s cowardly.

        When I was in the Air Force in Germany, and Catholic priest told me a lengthy story in the chapel kitchen about an American AF officer and his wife. The couple went to a restaurant in Saudi Arabia. The food was brought to their table. The wife began to eat first. Then a man stood up from a nearby table and came over to the American couple and slapped the woman hard across the face. Naturally, the officer stood up and decked the Saudi hard and dropped him to the ground. (I sure would have!)

        They fled the restaurant and returned to the base, and this priest was apparently instrumental in helping them get out of the country on a military hop before charges could be pressed. It was a VERY short tour for them.

        Turns out, both the American’s were at fault: The wife ate before the husband, a no-no in Saudi Arabia, and the husband was wrong for striking a Saudi citizen as Americans are evidently beneath Saudis.

        Fleeing justice.

        Liked by 2 people

          1. JLynn, the problem as I see it and as evidenced by what is now Eurabia is that “when in Rome er Saudi Arabia” will quite probably become “when anywhere in the world”. This is because of the “divine” Islamic mandate that Islam is meant for the WHOLE world and each true believer is to make that mandate his own.

            Thus, the practice of da’wa and jihad not only of violence but jihad of the press, of the womb, of education, of the law, of finance, of media, of you-name-it-Islam-has-it and has been successfully practicing it for 1400 years. With brief and powerful divine interventions at Lepanto, Vienna, and Tours, jihad has continued unabated.

            I just recently found out that the Rock of Gibraltar is actually named for an Islamic Caliph. Did you know that?

            Liked by 1 person

            1. I did not know that and I have studied much about Islam. Please know that my intensity is not aimed at you, JLynn. I see, as you may also see, that those in the hierarchy who support and pressure wrong-headed immigration are the same ones who also support and promote homosexual living, marriage, and priests. It is simply not Catholic anyway you slice it.

              Liked by 1 person

            2. Interesting, I did not know that III. My daughter (as a teen) traveled as a student ambassador to several continents and she and her fellow travelers where groomed by PTPI and the State Department to be both vaccinated and prepared socially for the encounters with the cultures in which they would be promoting peace and understanding with. I do not approve of what happened in SA, on the other hand, we’ve learned to be aware of cultural mores.

              ❤

              Like

              1. JLynn, thank you for your response. In as much as you have identified a “cultural” more as the possible rub between believers and non-believers, the fact-based truth is what tragically so many in Western Civilization do NOT see. Simply put while there are peaceful and moderate Muslims, there is NO peaceful or moderate Islam. The proof texts of the Koran and Hadith show this fact over and over and over. Just as Catholicism is Catholicism whole and entire so too Islam is Islam. We have CINO politicians like Tim Kaine, Nancy Pelosi, John Kerry, Joe Biden, etc…, etc…, etc… who self identify as Catholics but by what defines a Catholic they are obviously not Catholic. The same is true of Muslims.

                Did you know that the only language, as defined by Islam, in which the Koran is to be recited daily is classical Arabic? Did you know that of the 1.8 billion Muslims in the world today only 15% of this world-wide population speak Arabic and an even smaller percentage of that 15% actually know Classical Arabic? In other words, everyday, five times per day Muslims all over the world recite what they do not understand:
                That they live among those who associate partners with Allah (that’s we Trinitarians, JLynn).
                A little later they go on to say, “Guide us in the right path, that path of those upon whom Thou
                hast bestowed Thy blessings. Not of those who have incurred Thy displeasure nor of those
                who have gone astray”(that’s we again, JLynn). Why have we gone astray, you might ask?
                They recite a little later five times per day, “He begets not nor is He begotten.”

                What, you might ask, is life like for those “who have gone astray and profess ‘God from God; Light from Light; true God from true God; begotten not made; one in being with the Father”? You might be familiar with the word Dhimmi (sometimes Zimmi), if not it would behoove us all to know what befalls a non-believer, a dhimmi, under Sha’ria.

                It’s not too much to say that the advance of Islam across once Christian North Africa and through the Christian Near and Middle East as well as into Eastern Europe and up into the Iberian Peninsula and France was the definitive cause of the Dark Ages as well as the necessity of Christopher Columbus finding a route that didn’t go through the pirate-infested Mediterranean Sea.

                Did you know that there was at least one village in Ireland that had its entire population sold into slavery by Islamic pirates? Look up Baltimore, West Cork Ireland 1631.

                The differences go much deeper than just “cultural mores”. We need to know that since Our Lord tells us in Scripture, “My people perish for ignorance.”

                Liked by 2 people

                1. Absolutely true about the Islamic teachings, III. But great Light is dawning on the Muslim people! By the millions, they are converting in Africa and the Mid-East. (Africa has gone from predominantly Muslim to Christian.) Many, many of them are having visions of Jesus Christ. Many women are seeing Our Lady of Guadalupe, who wishes to be known as Our Lady of Tepeyac for our times, the Mother of Conversion, and she is drawing Muslim women to her Son. Light is shining in the darkness.

                  Liked by 1 person

                  1. Yes, Bekita! Oh, Yes! Our Lady and Sorrowful Mother given to ALL is surely at work. Absolutely, you will find no disagreement with me nor am I a “Debbie Downer”. Rather I am a realist whose hope is in the Name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. My confidence is NOT in what man can do, but in the promises of both Our Lord and Our Lady–Her Immaculate Heart WILL triumph, the Reign of Christ the King WILL be recognized by the Mystical Body of Christ, AND the Holy Ghost WILL transform the face of the earth through the working of Divine Will in the hearts of the faithful. At least that’s how I see it.

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                    1. Agree, III. And we can toss in that wondrous, mysterious dimension of opportunities to co-create with the Lord. Most often, He doesn’t just do it for us, He leaves space for our part: He acts through, with and in us to build anew a civilization of Love. Maranatha!

                      Liked by 1 person

                  1. Dear JLynn, to be clear I did not think for a single moment that you agree with what happened with the soldier or his wife. Rather, I am trying to help people in general see that those in the hierarchy who support the homosexual agenda and the inherent “changes” in what Holy Mother Church teaches in so many avenues since Vatican II ALSO seem to support the civilizational jihad and infiltration of Islam that is upon us THROUGH the permitting will of God.

                    In Charlie’s discerning of that list of truly Good Shepherds that the Church will NEVER be without, I believe one of the other qualities to be considered (if he hasn’t already done so) is each one’s position on Islam. A place to clearly see this is in their actions related to Interfaith Prayer Services and Interfaith “Dialogues”. As you would agree and Scripture pronounces, “My people perish for ignorance” (Hosea 4:6) and many of our bishops and priests in the US are ignorant.

                    In general for whatever reason, bishops and chanceries and especially the USCCB have a “blind spot” when it comes to historical fact-based evidence and the proof texts of Islam–the Koran and the Hadith. I by myself do not know how to inform those who do not wish to be informed and even insist on remaining ignorant. I do not know, BUT God does know how/if He will use me in this endeavor.

                    I’d heard recently that politics is downstream from culture. I have to add that culture is downstream from theology and ideology; thus, how a people views God and their relationship to Him affects the culture from which is derived both politics and the economic market system the culture adopts.

                    Thank you, JLynn for be an unwitting and perhaps unwilling “springboard” from which I launched a position about which I am fervently passionate. I hope you will forgive me if I have caused a personal offense to you.

                    This passions stems not only from the harm being done to Christians but even more from the harm that is done to “cultural” Muslims who do not even know what Islam teaches. If we allow our bishops to continue to “go along to get along”, only greater harm to both populations will ensue.

                    Liked by 2 people

                    1. So true, III, that a reading of the Koran reveals the reality of what is promoted by the Islamic religion. Charlie wrote more than a few great pieces posted at TNRS which led to some rich discussions. I’ll share a great one he penned in the fall of 2015:
                      Concerning Islam
                      (This piece may be downright terse. I have boiled it down relentlessly. It is a beginning of the conversation, not an end. -CJ)

                      By Charlie Johnston

                      People in all cultures reach out to God – usually in the way they are taught. It is instinctive to us to want to know, love and serve our Creator. Most people, even if errant, are sincere in that desire. We are all embedded with a desire for the good, as well. To care for each other, love our neighbor…so we have tools to approach the throne of God even if our basic knowledge and wisdom is deficient.

                      Most Muslims, like other peoples, want to reach out to God…and do so in the way they were taught. Most would like to do so without the bloodshed, coercion and oppression. In fact, I suspect that many Muslims who emigrated to America over the years came specifically because they wanted to reach out to God in a way that was familiar to them, but without the violence and oppression. America, a land that guaranteed human rights, must have seemed the perfect place to do that. But America betrayed them. In America rose a toxic notion of tolerance, a notion that first enabled, then celebrated and favored cultural practices that were inimical to the values of freedom. This new American “tolerance” empowered the very brutes those Muslims came to escape – and all in the name of tolerance.

                      Up until 9-11, I considered Islam one of the three great monotheistic religions. It was not the actions of the terrorists that roused my suspicions, but the silence or obfuscation of the rest of Islam on the matter. If a group of Catholics had done that, I knew my Church would immediately rise in righteous anger to denounce the terrorists, to condemn them and proclaim excommunication on any who adopted such poisonous doctrines contrary to the faith. That did not happen with Islam. About the best they could muster was the “street-gang” defense: “It wasn’t us.” – denying personal responsibility while remaining ambivalent – and often excusing – the act.

                      It was that disturbing episode that led me to study the Koran. It is not very large…only about the length of the Psalms. I was stunned. I had heard all the quotations “proving” that Islam was a religion of peace. It was a shell game. To simplify, the Koran has two very different sets of rules, one for fellow Muslims and another for infidels. All the quotations supporting the “religion of peace” fantasy come from sections on how to treat fellow Muslims with whom you are in conflict. The rules for infidels are that they must convert or die. The only wiggle room is how long you give them to convert before you kill them. Even more shocking, all manner of brutalities against them, including torture, rape and murder – even against children – are not forbidden but are, in fact, considered blessed acts. When Muslim terrorists attacked the Beslan School in Russia in 2004, I stunned some of my friends when I said the Muslims would torture and rape some of the children. They accused me of bigotry – until it happened. Then they asked how I knew. I told them it is in the Koran – and I had read it. My study of the Koran had led me to the shocking realization that the terrorists WERE the expression of authentic Islam.

                      To be sure, the Hadith are important in Islam. These are commentaries written after the Koran, by various Islamic scholars, purporting to give additional words of Muhammed not included in the Koran. Some of those scholars made attempts to try to soften the clear homicidal bent of the Koran towards non-Muslims. Yet the Koran remains – and it is binding, no matter how much some of the Hadith tries to square the circle.

                      The great Christian writer and historian, Hilaire Belloc, argued that Islam is not a unique religion at all, but a singularly perverse Christian heresy. Belloc was an occasional collaborator with G.K. Chesterton and was president, for a time, of the Oxford Union. While I think his case is somewhat overstated, it carries deep insight into the historical phenomenon which is Islam. Certainly Islam recognizes but one God, emphasizes that man is to serve him, and posits an afterlife. Other than that, the differences are more striking than the similarities.

                      In Islam, God is a distant, alien thing. There is –and can be – no kinship between man and God whatsoever. The relationship is that of master to a dog, with a master who encourages a brutal viciousness in his dogs. There is no spark of divine dignity in any human, even the holiest of Muslims. They are either good pets to their malignant master or they are not. People are ever treated like things. This is how you get “honor killings” of family members for various – mainly sexual – transgressions. But those sexual rules only apply to women. A sister who has been raped is “broken, like a plate,” as I heard one moderate Muslim man describe it. She is no good anymore and must be discarded. Islam is a religion of appetites, not transcendent aspirations. It is a religion of rules, not of principles of morality. There is no kinship between God and man. Even the supposed rewards of the afterlife are purely temporal in nature – and still treat women as things. The great Muslim warrior supposedly gets 72 virgins to do with as he will. What, precisely, does a Muslim virgin get other than a vicious man?

                      Liked by 2 people

                    2. G.K. Chesterton once said that the man who is intellectually serious about his faith must “either ascend into Catholicism or descend into disbelief.” While that may be overstated, too, it presumes that a man starts from a spark of truth to begin his inquiries. If your image of God is not as Father, as the source of good, but instead as a demanding, petulant murderer, you are severely handicapped in your search. I have said – and maintain – that most Muslims honestly want to know, to love and to serve God in peace with their fellows. I have also said – and maintain – that Islam, itself, is a satanic deception. In that sense, Belloc is absolutely right that it is one of the greatest of the heresies.

                      Our challenge then is to evangelize Muslims where we can and defeat Islam where we cannot. Christians can be terribly naieve. We think we have been at peace with Islam for much of the last few centuries, with some sporadic hostilities. We have not. Islam’s aim has always been to conquer the world and wipe out any remnants who will not convert. It has occasionally been engaged in strategic armistices with the west, but has been at war with it since late in Muhammed’s life. Ultimately, it will only accept victory or death.

                      I never propose that Christians should act with coercive aggression, even with Islam. If an Islamic nation is willing to live within its borders and maintain peace with its neighbors, it should be left alone. But the robust vigor of St. Joan of Arc and the best of the Christian Crusaders is my model for how Christians should behave in defending their faithWhile yet a teenage girl, St. Joan of Arc was sent by God to rescue France from annihilation. and lands against military assault. Understand that Islam is starkly different than Christianity in how it defines the role of the state and the citizen to religion. In Christianity, individual conscience is respected. The state is expected to act justly, according to transcendent principles that guard human liberty. In Islam, religion, politics and ideology are inextricably entwined. There is no freedom of conscience, only religious rules that must be ruthlessly imposed in all walks of life.

                      I see myself quoted frequently as saying that Our Lady of Tepeyac is going to convert the Muslims en masse. That is true, but only half of what I have said about the matter. I say that Our Lady will, indeed, convert Islam, mainly through its women, but not until we in the west confront it seriously, both militarily and intellectually. Then it will collapse on itself quicker and more easily than anyone can imagine.

                      All democracies before America ultimately degenerated into chaos, then dictatorship. Because of our success, we have completely lost sight that democracy is one of the most unstable forms of government ever devised. The genius of the founders was primarily in introducing stabilizing elements into the mix, elements that we have systematically and slowly dismantled over the last century or so. The system I would adopt presupposes at least a temporary absolutism. We are headed in that direction. Pray that whoever the absolutist leader is is committed to faith, family and freedom – and that after clearing away the cultural, ideological and structural brush and deadwood that has accumulated, he will return to us a system that is based on our foundational principles.

                      Liked by 2 people

                    3. This is what I would do:

                      1. Declare America formally a Judeo-Christian country that is open and tolerant to all people of goodwill, whatever their faith. No unit of government and no official can ban public or private displays and expressions of Christian or Jewish faith. No institution shall coerce any non-Christian into participation of public expressions.
                      2. Do not allow Islamic terrorists to hide behind human shields in their own countries any more. Protect civilians in hostile zones by giving them frequent warnings that if terrorists have embedded themselves among them, they need to eject them or get out – because we are coming.
                      3. Forget about notions of proportionality. If hostile powers insist on targeting the west or western citizens, the only acceptable solution is their unconditional surrender or their destruction. Continue pounding them until one or the other has been accomplished.
                      4. Send FBI agents to watch over every mosque in the country. If worshippers do not incite violence, leave them be. If they do, shut them down. In the 50s and 60s, some racial supremacists used churches as cover for their nefarious schemes. The FBI shut down such covers while respecting the right of innocents to worship. We have a much larger, malignant force using some mosques as cover. End it.
                      5. Sharia law is incompatible with freedom and American principles. Outlaw it throughout the country. Remove it root and branch anywhere it appears. Deport any who scream about it.
                      6. A false dualism has arisen over the matter of refugees. Taking them in here or leaving them to die are not our only options. We have had such situations before – and in the Middle East. We can work to set up refugee camps in the Middle East to receive and house the refugees without endangering our population in a time of war. If that is not sufficient, we can find geographic locations elsewhere where western citizens are not endangered and then commit to humanitarian assistance.

                      Liked by 2 people

                    5. Thank you III. I assure you that I was not offended. Last year on the Feast of the Holy Rosary, in confession, I had words with our newly appointed pastor who allowed area Muslims, just days earlier, use our parish to hold an open house in order to sway village leaders and the community into voting in favor of a zoning ordinance to build a mosque down the road.
                      The pastor/my confessor explained how he is responsible for all of the souls in his parish and assured me that they’d continue to have open dialogue. I suggested that we be allowed to have a Marian Procession around the property in which the mosque was approved for building, based on input from a friend of mine whom I shared my concern with.
                      It has been over one year and not another word about our Muslim neighbors has been mentioned from our pastor to the congregation (that I am aware of). I have done some serious praying and pondering over this and I too would surely like to know the *official* stance of the Catholic Church on Islam. A Muslim regional group sponsoring this mosque had a website with a go-fund-me page set up to pay for the property in full and another page with the daily reading from the Hadith for the day, which on this day of the Feast of the Battle of Lepanto, literally spoke of killing infidels.
                      My reflecting eventually led me to accept that conversion comes to fruition in part from witness and that what the pastor did was allowed by God. My prayer is that this matter would end up becoming a part of the bigger plan for the greater glory of God.

                      ❤

                      Liked by 3 people

                3. This is all very true. I concur with this based on my own study. There is much, much more that can be said on the realities. I think what is scarier is the naivete and ignorance of the western cultures today about true understanding of this. This scares me more. Lord have mercy on us all.

                  Liked by 2 people

  39. Pride must be synonymous with stupid, because what can you call those who set themselves against God, bet against God, and reject the light of truth?

    Like a horse race, God made it to the finish line in an instant, while the devil is pathetically way behind near the starting line. Stupid are those who place their dreams & hopes on the loosing horse, just because he didn’t make it the finning line yet…

    Liked by 4 people

  40. I just finished reading Mark Mallett’s latest, “Part II – A Battle for America’s Soul.” And while reading it, even though Mark doesn’t say it, it came to me very clearly that the “beast” in the Book of Revelations is Communism and its mortal wound was the apparent collapse of the Soviet Union. But we can see in this country as well as other countries throughout the world the re- emergence of socialism and other basic elements of communism. I leave the rest to those more capable than I of developing this more fully. May God protect and guide us as we travel ever onward toward the triumph of the Immaculate Heart.

    Liked by 10 people

    1. Yes on communism, JAS, and its impact in fueling the culture of death. I think, too, that the beast is multi-faceted and two of his additional deadly agendas has been to legitimize abortion and same sex unions while c-r-u-s-h-i-n-g those who don’t support such evils. Deliver us, O Lord.

      Liked by 7 people

    3. Yes, there’s definitely those aspects made manifest, but I would caution against limiting the book of Revelations to the boxes of our understanding, you can declare war and kill evil people and destroy organizations, but only God can defeat the demonic evil spirits of beast, harlot, false prophet, and antichrist who are force & power behind the worldly events we witness.

      We are the hands & feet of God’s will, and I can definitely say there’s hands & feet of the beast, harlot, false prophet, & antichrist among us…

      Liked by 6 people

      1. As a afterthought, exorcisms has been diminished to superstition & unscientific nonsense, that the evil spirits of our time wreck havoc unhindered. It’s too bad we just can’t take out the Kryptonite of Exorcism and use it against the evil spirits like the early Christians did, maybe Pope Leo 13th had the right idea….

        Liked by 1 person

        2. AL your thought is exactly correct!!! The place that needs exorcised the most at this time is the Vatican. And the only one with the authority to do that is the Holy Father.

          Liked by 1 person

    4. No, I have to disagree, JAS and Bekita. The beast is not Communism but rather what Communism is based upon–Freemasonry or more specifically, the brotherhood of man that does NOT need or want God.

      Liked by 1 person

  41. Ted,
    GOD IS IN CONTROL! Jesus was sleeping, storm winds and waves swamping the boat, apostles terrified, Jesus awakes and says, why so little faith? He commands the storm to calm down like a tempest in a teapot. Keep your eye on Jesus, let go, let God Who is in control!

    Liked by 5 people

  42. “I am spending a lot of time thinking about what our next right steps are now that the ground is shaking beneath our feet, now that the cultural institutions we have relied on for fairness and justice are in deep decline or full collapse.” This is where I am, too, Charlie and company.

    The battle for me is getting intensely personal, with the Enemy using someone very close to me to yell and curse in my face while trying to do my work. I have been extremely soul-hurt. Other manifestations have shown up in my life, too, indicating that this is surely a battle where the Enemy is not afraid to go all-in, even if it means revealing himself or his hand.

    So my steps have been halting but the challenges still beckon ahead of me. How to place my next step? This is the answer I hear today. “Don’t be afraid to suffer.”

    I think our FEAR of suffering, not the suffering itself, is what truly paralyzes us. When I was much younger and doing this work, I was practically fearless. Things are changing as my body is slowing down, my friends are stricken physically and some have died or are facing death. What is this fear really? I unmask it as the “avarice of life” – Clinging to creature comforts and earthly security.

    It’s time for me to be possessed by the spirit of St. Joan and remember the hard lessons she had to learn when she feared for her physical safety and comfort. (As one of those “survivors” that people are supposed to believe without question, I know that to encourage the feelings of revenge or entitlement only serve to further empower the abusers and further victimize the one who was abused.)

    St. Joan, patron of rape victims, of soldiers, I ask for your strong intercession for all here who dare to don their armor and stand up to the onslaught of an emboldened enemy. Peace and blessings to all here.

    Liked by 14 people

    1. Praying for your strengthening and consolation, Marisa. So well said about the fear of suffering, for the very graces we need to suffer well are not granted until the very moments when those graces are needed. God bless us all.

      Liked by 7 people

    4. Marisa, I find your post remarkably reminiscent of meditations I have had of late regarding not only St. Joan but also St. Maximilian Kolbe and Our Lord Himself. In the end, they did not fail. What the world took as failure–burning at the stake, death by starvation and injection, crucifixion–have been gloriously and mysteriously transformed from stumbling blocks into heavenly stairways. At least that’s how I can see them when I wear my “Catholic” glasses. I pray for you and your intentions.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Now that would be a great alias for Charlie, Beckita or any of the TNRS/ASOH’s here… “Emotional Support Squirrel”.
      Charlie you should ask if Google would change your profile. Right now when you search your name, it shows your photo with the title “Australian footballer”. I think “Emotional support squirrel” is closer to the mark. (Unless you have taken up a Australian football as a hobby of course)

      Liked by 6 people

        1. Ok Charlie, I have left your ‘red flag to a bull’ comment go for a couple of days while I calmed down (just kidding). You could have opened a ‘can of worms’ by telling some of us that you don’t even know what Australian football is! Ouch! You Americans don’t have a monopoly on parochialism, y’know. We get very defensive down here of Our Game – Aussie Rules Football! Having said that I might just have ‘set the cat among the pigeons’ myself. Truth be known, while there are pockets of gridiron and Gaelic football about the place there are four main codes of football played in Australia – the ever-popular round ball game, soccer, Rugby League and Rugby Union (of which all three I am totally ignorant) and my own obvious preference, Aussie Rules. When you say ‘Australian football’ I don’t know how anyone down here can think of anything else but Aussie Rules. It would take too long to describe but in case anyone has the slightest interest, here are some highlights of the recent Grand Final https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CcScv6BaN1s

          Going from memory I noticed comments both from this site and the previous TNRS one that displayed, due probably to all forms of sport being affected by the corruption and other signs of the times, a detachment from what once could be called a passion for such innocent past-times. The Good Lord requires our focus on the Battle of the Ages and we seem now to watch momentarily things that we were once glued to such as Grand Finals.

          Liked by 5 people

          1. Love your observation Karen. I don’t even read our local newspaper anymore. It has turned into a liberal rag. Now, if I could just give up Candy Crush! Oh well, it is a good thing to give up as a fast.
            I have found that as I fast from it the pull to play it lessens.

            Liked by 4 people

            1. Good luck with CC detachment http! I’ve noticed that when I have given up coffee for 9 or 40 days I am still hanging out for the day when I can have that first cup again. How can simple food have such a hold on a person?! I feel like the young man in today’s Gospel who walked away sad because he knew he couldn’t deprive himself of his riches. The answer of course is that everything IS possible WITH God.

              Liked by 2 people

    1. Sean, not sure if you wished to link us to google maps. If it’s an error, please, simply submit your request with the corrected link and I’ll delete this comment and post your new one.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. That’s just a “de jure” resignation, Little One. The “de facto” reality is that, like Mick points out, he actually got a promotion. He gets to choose his successor and has the option to “throw him under the bus” should the need arise. Also, at this time there is no extradition treaty between the Vatican and the US. So if some US civil authority decides to discipline Wuerl (unlike the Vatican authority apparently), he can just skip the country.

      Like

  46. Hello ASOH Family! Beckita suggested sharing this prayer request here.
    My son is dealing with some catastrophic results of poor choices he made earlier this summer. He recently found himself in physical danger from people he considered “friends”. He has reached out to us for help.

    We are DESPERATELY looking for some sort of Christian/Catholic healing center for him; he struggles with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and possibly undiagnosed ADHD, all of which led to his current quandary. We’re looking for a residential situation where he could receive good Christian fellowship and guidance/structure. (It doesn’t necessarily have to be a “formal” treatment center–it could just be a ministry/apostolate of a family of a church/parish.)

    Please pray that we can QUICKLY find a place for him. Looking for places esp. in the mid-Atlantic or northeastern US–Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York. Also would consider Colorado, since he lives there currently. We are interested to hear if any readers of ASOH might have suggestions?
    Thank you!

    Liked by 8 people

    4. Praying Lin. We have our local Coast-to-Coast Rosary at 2pm today – I will ask the group for your special intention to be included.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Lin, if you haven’t looked at the possibility of Exorcism along with a Christian-based extended stay facility, I highly recommend it. The Society of the Sorrowful Mother has a website where you can ask for suggestions. They were most helpful to me when I reached out earlier this year on behalf of one of my kiddos who’d gotten into a position of being blackmailed by “friends” because of poor choices.

        It’s been a powerfully good thing since the “friends” were much more easily let go of due to their treachery. Lessons learned and powerful far reaching blessings have ensued do to poor choices and my contact with http://www.dolorans.org/ You and yours are in my prayers.

        Liked by 1 person

  47. I’d like to ask for prayers for my father, two brothers, and me as we fulfil my dad’s life-long dream of “hunting out west”. We’ll be away from society from mid next week until the end of the following week (longest I’ve every been away from my wife and kids, but I have prayed the Prayer of Miraculous Trust for their protection during that time, and have daily prayer plans as well). I am thankful to do this with him and I know it means a lot to him, and am thankful for my wife to handle our “tribe” at home while I do it!

    I am also planning on using the time to be a missionary to one of my brothers who left the Church (but is now a non-denominational and thinking of even leaving that!) and dad who is luke warm most times about our Faith. I pray the Holy Spirit gives me the right words!

    So, Beckita and Co., for those who know Missoula, that is where I fly into and out of and I have some time to eat and maybe briefly sight see before we drive into the NezPerce National Forest in Idaho. Recommendations?

    Thank you, and God bless!

    Liked by 6 people

      1. Yes we are and it will be semi-guided -which means our probability of finding our way off the mountain increases! LOL

        Yes, lots of clothing and water (to keep away from elevation sickness)….

        Thank you!

        Liked by 2 people

    5. Sounds like a wonderful family adventure you’re about to embark upon, Billbad. I’m deep into Father’s 90th birthday party prep. (It’s a week away now.) Perhaps on you return to Missoula when you are ready to fly out, Father and I could meet up with you for a meal and visit. Father just said, “Yes. Yes. Yes.” I’ll send you a private message.

      Just to get you started, several restaurants you might like to try:
      The Montana Club – wonderful burgers and additional other great selections. There are two locations in Missoula. North Reserve is closest to the airport: https://www.montanaclub.com/missoula-restaurants/

      The Mustard Seed – an Asian cafe which Father actually assisted ( his former students were involved and he shared some recipes) in their new beginning in 1978: https://www.mustardseedweb.com/

      The two above are located in additional cities which are more local.

      On North Reserve there are a lot of choices which are part of nationwide chains. A yummy one is Mackenzie River Pizza: https://www.mackenzieriverpizza.com/mackenzie-river-pizza-co-missoula-grant-creek/ Pizzas are the best and there are some tasty additional entrees.

      Praying for your family evangelization efforts and for great JOY as you spend time with the guys.

      Liked by 5 people

    2. I saw it last night with Lambzie Bob. We walked out with the same feelings and emotions when we saw the passion of Christ. It really does hit to the brutal truth in the matter of abortion. This is the real social injustice in this country. Environmental and other problems pale in comparison to this.

      Liked by 5 people

    3. I am going to the movie today. I don’t want to go. Back in 1984 I watched a video of a real abortion at a Right to Life meeting. Made me sick. I feel I must go as a form of reparation for our sin of abortion for our nation.
      On the 101 anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima-no less.
      Lord have mercy on us forgive us our sins.

      Liked by 5 people

        1. Doug, I know this is out of context and off the subject, but I feel l have to take the opportunity to thank you again for introducing me to the St. Bridget 12 yr. prayer., Eleven yrs., and 11 mos., to go for me now. Yes, I started saying it right away, and took your advice and am saying it for the burnt man in the brown suit. Long story, but I feel it may be my father., God bless you.

          Liked by 4 people

        2. The movie wasn’t as difficult to watch as I had imagined it was going to be. I highly recommend seeing it. The actor portraying Gosnell really showed how the real doc has no conscience. That part of humanity is sickening.

          Liked by 4 people

        3. I agree, Doug, tastefully and masterfully done. However, having read the book as well as getting to see the movie (even though it won’t play anywhere in my state), I wish that the movie could have brought home the significant complicity between the governing authorities (Governor, PA Department of Health, etc…) and Gosnell’s “clinic”. As you’ve noted, the directors did an impressive job and I know that there is only so much that can be delivered in 94 minutes. Ann’s book is very good at driving home the complicity between government and “health” authorities. Had you heard of the NIH and the FDA providing grant money for the purchase of aborted baby parts for research? I am trying to convince my husband that we need to put huge targets on our backs and opt out of paying ANY and all tax money. That’s a hard one indeed. Harder yet is knowing that I am accountable for every jot and tittle of my life.

          Liked by 2 people

    4. I witnessed the Gosnell movie today and like all here, I highly recommend. The lack of media/press displayed in the film and in our current days, is the main point of the film. I found as a takeaway the lack of ownership (in us) toward abortion. I sat in a noon time sunday showing with eight (8) others.

      Yes, I fought back tears half way thru to the end and had to control my emotions. During the drive home, I prayed the rosary in an attempt to keep the speedometer below 80. The only movie theater in my area is Albany NY, 50+ miles to the south.

      The film is PG-13, no horrific scenes yet the message is relayed of the horror we allow to continue. Cold anger? Rather, cold rage.

      Everyone needs to see this film, especially cops. How one can not imagine every abortion clinic to be in the same light.

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Prayers for one of the main actors, Dean Cain, who even though he is pro -choice, had the fortitude to accept a major role in the Gosnell movie; from Catholic Vote.org: https://www.catholicvote.org/gosnell-movie-panel-media-bias-and-more/

        While Gosnell star Dean Cain supports abortion “until viability,” he told Perry that he decided to join the film’s cast “as soon as I read the script.”

        “It was compelling,” said Cain. “It was something that needed to be told….I said ‘yes’ right away, no problem.” He said that he has “absolutely” taken “heat and abuse every day” for being in Gosnell, but instead of making him “mad,” he said “it just shows people’s intolerance…towards listening to another opinion.” Cain highlighted that “people were blowing me up all day long” for showing up to Values Voters Summit.

        Cain encouraged people to see Gosnell when it comes out on October 12, though he said he would receive more attacks the more successful the film is. Sullivan said the movie’s director received similar attacks in Hollywood.

        Liked by 3 people

  49. Great piece, Charlie! I’m going to delve more into this and all these wonderful comments more tomorrow when I have more time, but I just wanted to tell you I had a feeling you were under the weather and I said lots and lots of prayers for you! Glad you are ok now! Nothing hurts worse than a toothache! You probably cleared out purgatory! TNRS xoxo

    Liked by 3 people

  50. Charlie! Beckita! Brothers! Sisters! The storm winds are blowing hurricane force and the tsunami waves threaten to swamp our little boat, I think it’s a great time to have a little—comic relief!?! (Gotchya? with that 90 degree switch?)

    Sitting by the window of her convent, Sister Barbara opened a letter from home. Inside was a $100 from her parents. Sister smiled at the gesture. As she read the letter by the window, she noticed a shabbily dressed stranger leaning against the lamppost below. Quickly, she wrote, “Don’t despair. Sister Barbara,” on a piece of paper, wrapped the $100 bill in it, got the man’s attention and tossed it out the window to him. The stranger picked it up, and with a puzzled expression and a tip of the his hat, went off down the street. The next day, Sister Barbara was told that a man was at the door, insisting on seeing her. She went down and found the stranger waiting. Without a word, he handed her a huge wad of $100 bills. “What’s this?” she asked. “That’s the $8000 you have coming Sister,” he replied. “Didn’t you know I was bookie?” “Don’t Despair” came in first in the seventh race and paid 80-to-1.”

    (Please, don’t laugh too loud, you force me to give you more comic relief!)

    Rodney Dangerfield, self-deprecation on steroids.

    I get no respect!

    When I born, I was so ugly the doctor slapped my mother!

    My mother got morning sickness AFTER I was born!

    I was so ugly, my dad carried around pictures of the kid that came with the wallet!

    I get no respect!
    I went to the doctor and said, “Doc, every morning when I wake up and look in the mirror, I throw up. What’s wrong?” The Doc said, “I don’t know, but your eyesight is perfect.”

    My psychiatrist told me I was crazy. I said I want a second opinion. He said okay, you’re ugly too!
    And then he sends me two bills!

    One day I got so depressed, I wanted to jump out the window. They sent a priest up to talk to me. He said, “On your mark, get set…”

    Last week, my girlfriend called me and said, “Come on over, nobody’s home.” I rushed over and knocked on the door. Nobody was home.

    My brother-in-law is a neurosurgeon. The other day he gave me a coupon: 10% discount on a lobotomy!

    Tha.. tha..tha..that’s all folks!

    O you, who have not told a bad joke, be the first one to throw that rotten tomato! Splat! Ok, Ok, I’ll go! I’ll go!

    Liked by 7 people

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Published by charliej373

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