With Charity for All…

Posted on by charliej373
azdesert-MP
Grace in the Desert – (Photo by our own MP)

By Charlie Johnston

Decades ago, when I was managing editor of a group of suburban weekly newspapers, I got into a ferocious argument with the advertising manager (who was also the owner’s son) in the production manager’s office just about an hour before deadline. It just kept getting more and more intense until, finally, the production manager said, “Boys, boys, there will be time enough for recriminations later. Right now, we have a paper to get out.” It was one of the funniest lines on the fly I ever heard – and it stopped us both in our tracks. After a hearty (and somewhat embarrassed) laugh, we got back to getting the paper out.

I have thought the fears over the Wuhan Virus have been vastly overblown. Three of the smartest commenters at this site; Steve BC, Desmond Birch, and Stormtracker Ed think it much more alarming and serious than I credit it. Regardless of who is closer to right, we have entered into a full-blown crisis that will have significant and lasting effects. People have lost their life savings, their jobs, their businesses…we will talk another time about the long-time consequences of that, which is serious and a beginning of some real trials for many people.

I am not a virologist, but I am a more than competent and experienced researcher and analyst. There are a couple of significant quirks to this virus, which I will get to in a moment. I would accept it as much more serious than I do if a few significant questions I have were answered calmly and compellingly. Thus far, I have seen a lot of things that are common to many viruses stated as if they are unprecedented – the rate of transmission being one. Without context, each of these things seems scary. But the thing I always ask myself is, “compared to what?” Thus far, most of the things being breathlessly reported are within normal ranges for other viruses – and not quite as scary as H1N1 or Ebola was. I would like to just believe the World Health Organization (WHO), but in the early stages of Ebola it averred that over a million people were likely to die in Africa alone. The actual number was 30,000.

It has been plausibly, but not certainly, asserted that this virus is unusually deadly to older folks and those with compromised immune systems. If that is the case, it is certainly worth encouraging older folks to stay at home and exercise social distancing – but seeing how normal flus usually kill 18-60,000 people each year and also disproportionately target the same vulnerable populations – that sounds like a practice we could have easily and should have adopted long ago to protect our more vulnerable populations. This is what utterly baffles me about how Italy is approaching all of this. In a population of 60 million people, it has 25,000 known cases at this writing along with 1,809 deaths. Italy has just under 200,000 hospital beds, so I can certainly see how a 12% sudden influx could swamp them. But the nation’s medical service says it is so swamped that it is doing a peculiar from of triage right now: neglecting older, more vulnerable patients and concentrating on younger, healthier ones. Normally in emergency triage, those who are most damaged and unlikely to recover go to the end of the line, followed by those who are most healthy and likely to recover on their own. Efforts are focused on that broad middle who are in serious trouble but most likely to respond favorably to treatment while being at serious risk of perishing without it. Unless I have badly misunderstood, Italy is focused on those most likely to recover on their own while ignoring people who aren’t but are likely to respond well to treatment. That makes no sense to me. Meantime, the WHO has traditionally called the Italian health system the second best in the world, behind only France. That does not instill much confidence in the reliability of the WHO’s pronouncements.

In the early stages of a pandemic, mortality rates are greatly inflated because officials do not have a handle on how many actual cases there are – and those rates will be significantly diluted as more data comes in. It is usually safe to assume that the early mortality rates will shrink to about a third of what was originally reported. Even knowing all that, this virus seems to have wild fluctuations in its mortality depending on which country is affected. This is even after correcting for significant differences in medical quality in a nation. Italy is off the charts with a near 7% mortality right now.

One thing I have read several times is that Wuhan is peculiar in that it picks up and carries other local viruses with it – kind of a virus gang leader. That would explain the wild fluctuation in its mortality rate, but if so, it should cause the American West Coast to take near draconian measures. In the huge, largely unattended homeless encampments in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland and Seattle, typhus and some other medieval viruses have made an appearance. This could decimate the west coast in a giant wave of medieval infections delivered by Wuhan. But, if anything, the west coast seems to be acting more cavalierly than the heartland about the whole thing.

Newt Gingrich wrote an alarming piece about how serious Wuhan is, extrapolating numbers from Italy to suggest that if America is hit as hard, it could see between 5,000 – 15,000 deaths. I was prepared to be convinced by him until I got to the hard numbers. What it means is that if Wuhan hits the U.S. as hard as it has Italy, we could see as many as 1/12th to one-quarter as many deaths as are normal in a severe flu season. Say what?

The hardest thing to deal with is the intentional misinformation being spread routinely. I am having a hard time getting numbers that are anywhere near reliable. I am accustomed to seeing economists all over the board based on their ideology, politics and training. But while you have a few outliers, top medical personnel usually come up with a rough consensus and can explain in a way so that a trained researcher can verify the rough trends. Not so, here. I have come to trust Dr. Anthony Fauci from the National Institute of Health (NIH). He seems steady, takes it seriously, and is not given to panic – and his stuff is internally coherent, no wild swings. The media has been shameless in trying to maximize fear in hope it will politically hurt Donald Trump. Democrats have tried to use the crisis as an excuse to vastly expand government funding for abortion. The Mayor of Champaign, Illinois, asserted that this crisis gave her the authority to confiscate people’s guns AND even their homes and real property. She asserted more authority than most medieval kings dared to assume. She did have to issue a clarification saying that she only meant she has that power, not that she is going to use it. Bizarrely, several high-ranking Democrats have asserted that this proves that America needs exclusively government-run health care. I say bizarrely because the nations hardest hit so far; China, Iran, and Italy all have exclusive government-run health care systems. Meantime, Joe Biden has adopted as his chief health care advisor the main architect of Obamacare, Ezekiel Emmanuel – who thinks people have a duty to die once they reach age 75. One would think this virus would be a godsend for him.

I suppose it is hard now for young people to believe it, but folks in this country used to rally round whoever was president during times of crisis while working with him to solve it regardless of party. Such unity in crisis used to be routine – and anyone who used such a crisis as a moment to make political “gotchas” would quickly be rebuked or retired. I guess we are long past that – at least for the time being.

If normalcy bias prevents people from seeing a serious threat that is out of the ordinary, many will suffer needlessly who need not have if decisive action had been taken earlier to meet the threat. The corollary is also true. If irrational panic is unswayed by actual evidence, far more people will suffer than is necessary. It is why judgment is so critical – and why, however we approach a situation, we should make allowance for the possibility our judgment might be errant. It is not a competition for a gold star, but an effort to keep people both safe and confident in how to get through whatever challenges we face.

Throughout salvation history, the Church has weathered its way through many crises and disruptions. When a crisis came, rarely did Church officials have a good response ready to deploy immediately and sedately. They gathered themselves, considered the challenge in front of them, and pressed on as they could after careful deliberation. It seemed ironic to me that while people were arguing whether they could rightly be denied Communion on the tongue in the midst of an emergency, Mass was suddenly cancelled entirely for at least several weeks. In times of crisis, we don’t have the right not to be inconvenienced or forced to accept things that would be unacceptable in normal times.

I have seen some just blasting the Bishops who have suspended religious celebrations for a few weeks. Step back a minute and into their shoes. Who saw this drastic measure coming even a week ago? Many of our Bishops were faced with orders by secular officials limiting public assemblies of all types. Even those who, like me, did not think the actual virus was near as dangerous as it was being presented, had to consider the very real possibility of serious liability if they were wrong and just continued with business as usual. I have been the right hand man to several prominent public officials – and I have a healthy awareness of the real responsibility that comes with their authority. I give a lot of early latitude to officials, particularly in an unexpected fast-moving crisis. I actually don’t warm up easily to those officials who don’t exercise their authority in crisis without giving due regard to all potential consequences. For a lot of these Bishops, to continue business as usual would have meant forcing a legal confrontation with secular authorities on short notice – and the potential to bankrupt their Dioceses with liability. I do think we are called to prudence and deliberation before jumping to decisions that can have deep and existential consequences. Give them some time to get their footing. I really don’t doubt that even those Bishops I don’t have much regard for are mostly busy coming up with plans and provisions for the feeding and nurturing of their flocks without making any unforced errors before a hostile secular world.

This is a time to bear with each other, to lift each other up in mutual charity. The last thing we need is to complain that things are not how we would prefer or not how we would do them when a leader of ours is trying to find his way. I made clear that I prefer the approach of, say, Poland, but in crisis, surely our leaders deserve some forbearance as they try to figure out how best to go forward. If some just surrender to secular forces without defending the faithful, well, as I noted at the beginning of this piece, there will be time enough for recriminations later. For now, let us just give it a few weeks to get a better idea of how things are shaking out. Everybody sometimes needs – and deserves – a little breathing room.

Some have said that we cannot be harmed by the Body and Blood of Christ. I actually happen to agree with that in my personal approach. Shoot, I’m the guy who spent over a year drinking from streams and rivers and never used a filtering device. Yet I know that the Divine True Presence is contained in the equally real form of bread and wine. It has long been my practice to receive on the tongue from a Priest, Deacon, or consecrated religious, while receiving in the hand from laymen acting as Extraordinary Ministers. Even so, when I am under the weather, I receive in the hand from Priests and refrain from the cup so that, if it makes them nervous, they may be soothed. I simultaneously believe that I will not be hurt by the Body of Christ and that others may have a legitimate concern that the forms could carry unwanted physical contaminants. So, I act as charitably as I can. I certainly have the right to receive as I wish, but it does me no harm to receive in a way that comforts others during a period of emergency. If I can do something that is more charitable to others without compromising my duty, I will choose the more charitable route every time (unless I am having a particularly crabby day – which, alas, I get from time to time.)

When my son was a teenager, we had a cool deal. Everyone has a day when they are just crabby and ill-tempered. Being asked what’s wrong just aggravates it. We decided that we were each entitled, every once in a while, that we were to give each other breathing room on a day when that one was just irritable. We agreed not to abuse it – and that the crabby one had to specifically invoke it. But then the normal one would just leave the crabby one alone to stew in his discontent for the day…and get back to it the next day. I gotta tell you, if I’m being a jerk, and know I’m being a jerk, and just can’t help it that day, it is like a spring of cool water to be left to my own devices and given the breathing room to regroup for the next day.

Bear with one another, lift each other up, give each a little breathing room. If necessary, there will be time enough for recriminations later. But for now, let us avoid “who is the most holy of them all” competitions.

My dear friend who comments as John McFarm here, sent me a fabulous note on something he did. He is in a Diocese that has not yet suspended Mass. Let me quote his note verbatim: “Well, we are charging into the storm my friend…I have been heading your advice…take the next right step, defend the faith and the faithful and bring hope. This morning I brought 120 two ounce bottles of my own “hillbilly sanitizer” to Church and spread them out in each pew. When Father mentioned it to the congregation (half of normal ) he asked me to explain. So in haughty voice and smile I explained that there is no rubbing alcohol left to be found, no Aloe Vera gel or coconut oil. This sanitizer is two thirds Everclear 190 proof and one third baby oil. The parishioners all smiled and that was my intent. Give them confidence we each can figure things out, have compassion to share with others, and enjoy the moment. I feel I succeeded. Don’t mean to brag but I know you will enjoy hearing that. Wednesday I intend on rallying my fellow knights into truly becoming just that…not a club for old men. I hope to set up a team to sanitize the pews at least once a week. Another team to call Parishioners isolated, especially if they are ill, and bring Jesus’ joy and grace to those poor souls.”

I spoke with a dear friend in Alabama who told me that a Priest he knew chose to compensate for the empty Holy Water fonts by sprinkling the congregation with hyssop. My friend told me it was deeply meaningful to many in the Parish.

My brother got a group of fellow public safety officials to publicly offer to come out and help the elderly with shopping and small tasks that they can’t get out for.

Ah, doing small things with great love for those around you. Sounds like the next right step to me -and your Bishop deserves a little breathing room, too, as we figure this out together.

A few weeks ago each of us chose a little cross to carry through the desert of Lent. Surprise! Our Lord has decided we will carry a different cross than we planned on. Let us live solidarity with each other, building each other up, giving little signs of hope and, if we’re feeling crabby about something, keeping it to ourselves for a while. We will find grace in this desert greater than what we could ever have expected. The Lord is at hand. Give Him thanks and praise.

312 thoughts on “With Charity for All…”

  2. I’m looking at everything here, it seems like this virus is being used to psychologically prep/condition us for socialism/communism/martial law up here in Canada. To break society’s will so we can be moulded into globalist government, since society can’t be fooled into voting for it…

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      1. Little One, questions remain: Even with the best made human plans, what will God allow and in what ways will He use and/or alter our human plans to bring about His Plan. Too, what surprises will He directly interject when it pleases Him to do so?

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  3. Charlie,

    Go watch X22 Episode 2123B and he lays it all out. You’ll be surprised but pleasantly. I pray for you daily Charlie. Love your blog and your posts.

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    Liked by 5 people

  6. Here’s a beautiful writing I came across tonight. Thought I’d share it with all of you!

    Lockdown
    Yes there is fear. …
    Yes there is isolation.
    Yes there is panic buying.
    Yes there is sickness.
    Yes there is even death.
    But,
    They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
    You can hear the birds again.
    They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
    The sky is no longer thick with fumes
    But blue and grey and clear.
    They say that in the streets of Assisi
    People are singing to each other
    across the empty squares,
    keeping their windows open
    so that those who are alone
    may hear the sounds of family around them.
    They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
    Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
    Today a young woman I know
    is busy spreading fliers with her number
    through the neighborhood
    So that the elders may have someone to call on.
    Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
    are preparing to welcome
    and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
    All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
    All over the world people are looking at their neighbors in a new way
    All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
    To how big we really are.
    To how little control we really have.
    To what really matters.
    To Love.
    So we pray and we remember that
    Yes there is fear.
    But there does not have to be hate.
    Yes there is isolation.
    But there does not have to be loneliness.
    Yes there is panic buying.
    But there does not have to be meanness.
    Yes there is sickness.
    But there does not have to be disease of the soul
    Yes there is even death.
    But there can always be a rebirth of love.
    Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
    Today, breathe.
    Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
    The birds are singing again
    The sky is clearing,
    Spring is coming,
    And we are always encompassed by Love.
    Open the windows of your soul
    And though you may not be able
    to touch across the empty square,
    Sing.

    Fr. Richard Hendrick, OFM
    March 13th 2020

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        1. Ah…. Thanks, Jen and CrewDog! Ha… I read Diane’s comment last night during moderation tasks, but I didn’t see CrewDog’s comment until this morning when I was catching up on the e-mails in my in-box. 🙂

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        1. Thanks, Beckita. Did you you read the story about his grandmother? Wow! (You’ll see it if you scroll down the front page a bit.)

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          1. It’s an amazing and beautiful story, Mick. This priest writes with poetic prose through and through. Bu then, real stories about real people always capture the attention.

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      1. A friend sent it to me. This is the first time in months that I have been able to read comments to me up in the corner of the page! Wow! Thanks for writing dear Beckita!

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    3. Let nothing disturb you,
      let nothing frighten you,
      all things will pass away.
      God never changes;
      patience obtains all things,
      whoever has God lacks nothing.
      God alone suffices. Amen.

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        1. Hi Beckita,

          Thank you for the link on the video, I didn’t mean to imply I invented the prayer I wanted to share St Therese of Avila Sober reflections on difficulties of life … my prayers for you all here ..

          -Father Juan Manuel Salazar (I guess Jim is good too 🙂 )

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          1. It was a beautiful reminder, Father. The thought never crossed my mind that you were implying it came from you. Reading it again brought to mind the Taize chant written with St. Theresa’s wisdom. It’s wonderful to have you commenting. Keeping you in prayer.

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          2. For what it’s worth, Father, I’m with Beckita: it never crossed my mind that you might be trying to pass on St. Teresa of Avila’s words as your own. 🙂

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  7. Per usual I take a rather devil’s advocate position to some of your remarks. In all his blustering and “word salad” remarks, Trump has wasted precious time and opportunity to deal with this medical crisis. To my view he demonstrates no leadership or reassurance that we can deal with this competently-and the resulting chaotic scramble will leave many people vulnerable in a multiplicity of ways – financial as well as medically. (FYI typhus is bacterial not viral and is treatable) The stumbling block is numbers – logistics – an icu holds around 20 patients, including MI’s, car accidents and GSW’s and other serious problems. The other consideration is the complexity of circumstances. A suburb here, Sun City, has a population that is 75% over 70 – nevermind underlying conditions – what happens if/when the virus arrives there? What about the rest of the city, the population? I do not know what the % of our population is over 65/70 but it is my opinion that we are going to see a lot of people die. That is what is driving Dr. Fauci’s rhetoric. Take careful care of yourselves……isolate as much as possible. Pray, yes – pray and look out for others, but do so safely for yourselves and them. This is not a drill.

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    1. Gee Calamity, I guess you completely missed that whole “there will be time enough for recriminations later” part of Charlie’s post. I will add you to my prayer list, as you appear eaten up with fear, dread and premature recriminations.

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      2. Dear wpsahm – normally I do not reply to such comments as yours but this time I think a response is indicated to you and to Charlie. First I do not know Charlie personally as perhaps some of you do. He may be a a good guy – as is often noted. That said, he tends to publish a lot of hyperbole and longwinded – at times – inaccurate viewpoints. May I point out that dead is dead. It doesn’t matter if you are the only one. I am a nurse practitioner. No I am not overcome by fear and no I am not engaging in recriminations. I am underlining the seriousness of this situation – however you view it. I speak up to encourage folks to take this soberly – NOT to debate positions. I say again: this is not a drill. There is, in truth, a serious situation – look at Italy – look at the rising numbers. Older and chronically ill folks (that includes you Charlie) are at real risk. I too pray for us all. I will say no more.

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        1. Ah well, CJ, each one has his/her opinion. I resoundingly disagree with your assessment that “a lot of hyperbole” and “inaccurate viewpoints” have been put forth by Charlie. As I have stayed the course as a constant reader and commenter for five years here, I have discovered that Charlie’s insights and counsel through this time period ring more true than ever in these days of sobering import. Charlie’s presence emerging on the scene of prolific heavenly messages distributed widely became a source of sanity, wise counsel and careful discernment concerning what we have been experiencing. Thanks be to God that He raised up Charlie and his voice which would direct us to take extremely great care in interpreting prophecy, remain in the Barque of Peter no matter how shaken this blessed vessel would become and, at all costs, reach out to those around us, tending to them in whatever need is presented, in the midst of historical challenges and conflicts.

          What really is unfair in this comment is the disregard for how Charlie bases his insight and analyses on f.a.c.t.s., facts well-researched by spending hours combing resources to find those which are primary ones – not just articles written about articles written from other articles. Further, here is a man who seeks the counsel of and defers to the expertise of others when called for, who has openly and freely acknowledged his errors (not just whispered them quietly as some are wont to do) and who gives an example of fidelity in the face of sometimes incredibly harsh, unjust criticism. He’s not just a good guy; he’s a man with a brilliant intellect, erudite in many disciplines, a man of integrity, honesty and expansive love for all peoples.

          Is he a guru? Nope. Should we place him on a pedestal? God forbid. He IS both strong and true and I’m convinced he’s been called by God to shepherd His people in a particular way that ignites others to be leaders of faith, hope and love – right where each of us are in our own little corners of the world – as we journey on through this Storm and as we, in solidarity, become agents of rescue for the Rescue Our Lady is bringing about via Her Immaculate Heart.

          I can tell you, I was not at all tempted to take the current situation lightly after reading this current piece. Some reports have suggested that the virus was engineered to particularly attach to the many extra type of receptors in an Asian man’s lungs. That, too, got my attention although I don’t know if it’s true. So here I am providing care for a 91 year old with three major health conditions and who, as you all know, is an Asian male living in persona Christi. I not only wish to do what I can to protect him from contracting the illness, I don’t want to bring the illness into our home by me getting sick. Still, I know both Father and I are joyfully ready to make the Final Journey Home when that moment arrives. Lots of emotions and thoughts are surely running through our minds given each particular situation in which we find ourselves.

          Calamity Jane, I totally disagree with your assessment of Charlie. You’ve done more than play the devil’s advocate; you’ve charged him with things that just aren’t true. I’m not sure where it’s coming from. It’s AOK to disagree here concerning ideas and points made. It’s NOT OK to attack people. We’re here to build each other up.

          I DO appreciate the work you’re doing with people in this time of crisis. Heartfelt prayers for you, your patients and all who are pouring out their love and expertise in the medical world right now in a very difficult scenario.

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          1. Shoot, B, if I thought CJ (or anyone else here) was that praiseworthy, I’da left a LONG time ago, because I would have truly felt out of place amongst such near perfection.

            I too appreciate CJ’s particular expertise and insights (CJ, I appreciate your expertise and insights), but I simply admire the guy because he has always maintained his good humor discussing difficult things and has been just as quick to truly laugh at himself as he is to fling an informed elbow. Mostly I know him as a big boy who can not only take care of himself, but pull it off nimbly. A rare gift.

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            1. Oh yah, MP. That humor. Another gift and one which brings joy in the midst of what is. Not at all speaking to perfection. As I was moderating comments, an interior nudge prompted me to speak truth, so I did.

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                1. I suspect this site is the denizen of fairly hardy people replete with broad shoulders and mild manners.
                  Seems most of the snowflakes who come to this site leave a bit hurt by being expected to handle the unexpected. If Charlie has put this site together to gather leaders who will take the next right step to be “a sign” to others I presume that is what we have become.
                  Times a waistin if those here haven’t gotten that yet….

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                  1. Hm. I thought it was manifold, Phil.

                    “This is a time to bear with each other, to lift each other up in mutual charity.”

                    Charlie found some irony in folks debating about how to take Communion and then Churches being shuttered shortly thereafter.

                    I find some irony in practicing charity with singlemindedness.

                    That, and I think that time is both short and long at the same time.

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                    1. Depends on what hat your wear at the time MP.
                      I have a multiple array of them. Let’s me be more nimble…
                      When I fish, one type.
                      Hunt, another.
                      Play music, one or two types.
                      Play ball, another type.
                      Sit on the beach…you get it.
                      Manifold , yes. But clarity can be lost with too many hats worn at the same time.
                      Hard to be pal and disciplinarian to my kids all at once. I gotta switch hats to the tune of behavior on the fly, but I don’t leave one on and try to fit on another, it gets confusing that way to the kids. My yes needs to be a yes and my no a no. No sugar coating.
                      Magical thinking has become rampant in our society and the hard truth is avoided at all costs. There is a hat for charity and a hat for the hard truth.
                      Sometimes a snowflake needs to get a meltdown in order to become a true person. That meltdown comes sooner or later and is particularly hard if from the flames of the next life!
                      Lord, help us see Your truth through this blindness of fear.

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                    2. Nonsense, Phil. 1 Corinthians 13. I think Christians too often want to eat their cake and have it too. We are all sinners. The reaction to Calamity was an overreaction. Period.

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                    3. Could be that charity and it’s lack occurs at the same time. Sin, on both sides, is a sign of our weakness. If fear is present and perfect love casts out all fear, is there a lack of love somewhere?
                      If Beckita spoke truth without the intent to offend but still does, is she guilty by being bold (unafraid) to love through a hard truth or is the offended one not accepting an admonition/correction/insight by fear of error/pride ?
                      Is my nonsense nonsensical or just misunderstood truth? I expect it’s a little of both.

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                    4. So I said in my heart, “As it happens to the fool, it also happens to me, and why was I then more wise?” Then I said in my heart, “This also is vanity.”

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                    5. Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art who judgest; for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself, for thou that judgest doest the same things. (Rom 2:1).

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                    7. Mary of Agreda said as we are purged in fire after death even our virtues will be cleansed because they will have some residual of self in them.
                      Vanity of “self interest” was avoided only by Our Lady who truly and perfectly loved God above all else. The rest of us, even the Angels had a bit of self in their surrender.

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                    8. Phillip Frank – that seems so true and actually “comforting” to me because I catch myself so often with all those little (or perhaps not so little to God) “vanities!”

                      I think to myself…. “Self, how is God going to someday cure me of myself!!!” 😩

                      Biggest one I’ve noticed lately is the thought of going gray 🧑🏼‍🦳( since there are no salons open anymore) and no money 💰 coming in or at least not as much…and oh dear God.., The thought of NO 🧻 !!!!! Vanities of vanities…all are vanities!!!😂😂😂

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            2. Once I was reading excerpts from some clever lines critics had gotten off about me to my daughter, who was startled at the venom in some. One said that I was, “a fat little man who craves attention.” After a pause, I said, plaintively, “I wasn’t always fat.” My daughter nearly fell out laughing with me.

              It probably helps that in my family, we have a big streak of insult humor to express our affection. If you aren’t being insulted regularly, you are probably not all that well-liked. In fact, when I visit my son after an extended tour, he LOVES to go after me – noting that I am so used to pulling my punches that I am easy pickings and he feels it is duty to get my game back up.

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                1. Linda I’ll have you know that I was always proud of my growing gray hairs, I earned each and every one of them as I prepare to celebrate my 80th in the fall, God willing. Thank you for all your inputs, an admirer, jas

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                  1. Awww just a sojourner I bet you are sooooooooo beautiful even at 80!!! Well like it or not, I think I’ll learn to be proud of mine too!!! Oh wait!!! That would be vanity on my part yet again! 🤪 lol Catch 22😂😂😂 Ps…I’m an admirer of you too JAS!!!

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              2. Ha! Insulting affection was a way of life in our home. If someone was really getting something off their chest it never ruffled feathers… just more of the same!

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          5. “ Some reports have suggested that the virus was engineered to particularly attach to the many extra type of receptors in an Asian man’s lungs” — how very evil. God especially confound those plans.
            I discern in my spirit the truth of thinking that some deliberate manipulation truly seems to have been done here. God thank you for continuing to protect and lead us.

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        2. In dying we are born to eternal life. Death is not the end.

          We are just pilgrims on earth.

          Pray, trust in God and do the best that you can in the here and now. And in your own circumstance.

          🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

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    2. When fear and anxiety threaten to overtake me yesterday, I put youtube on the big TV with the EWTN’s live exposed Sacrament and went about my work-making a pot of soup. The Real presence brought such peace and clarity in this time of confusion. Fear, confusion, anxiety are from the enemy of our souls.
      Clarity to take the next right step. May the peace of our Good Lord settle your mind and heart.

      Liked by 10 people

    3. My main takeaway from the column was “charity,” though there were various talking points under that header. Key, in my mind, is self-regulation.

      This morning I got yelled at for putting my jeans and boots on too loudly. Had me pondering all the nervous quiet out there (phase 2 following the nervous humor) and the fact that people are scared. Yeah, I had a quip locked and loaded for the whole loud pant-and-boot-putting-on thing, but somehow miraculously found the strength to refrain. Also, I may just alter my decades-old morning routine and gear up downstairs from now on.

      Just a gentle note to all that we also just discussed letting people have their day as part of that charity.

      Calamity, my fellow desert denizen, have at it!

      Liked by 8 people

      1. Also, MP, I want to remind you not to knee-jerk and over regulate… or over self-regulate. Just breathe in that glorious morning air rife with wild desert flowers, manure and horsehide, with prayer and gratitude for God in all things. Life is really very simple after all.

        Liked by 4 people

        1. Too bad you can’t join my family’s thread (or probably a good thing) which is getting pretty wild. Among other things I’ve been getting regular updates from my youngest bro under the heading, “Lessons Learned on Lockdown.” Maybe I should warn him about the dangers of replying to his own comments in the third person.

          Liked by 4 people

      3. I’m with you, MP. We’re a family here; and if you can’t once in a while vent a little to your family, whom CAN you vent to? Everybody is entitled to an off day… heck, I think I’ve used up all of mine and have started using my family members’. 🙂

        And apropos of absolutely nothing: On Sunday, I watched “Crossfire Trail” with my family (for those who may not know, it’s an adaptation of a Louis L’Amour western novel). There’s a small scene in the movie which is not in the book, but it’s my favorite part of the movie. Rafe, the main guy character, is talking to the main female character. She asks if he’s named after St. Rafael the Archangel. He says yes, and that his mother had sent him off to the Jesuits for his education. “To be a priest?” she asks, surprised because he’s a hard-boiled cowboy (but, of course, a good guy–he’s a Louis L’Amour hero, after all). “Yes, ma’am,” he answers. “So how did you end up as…,” she asks as she tries to figure out how to finish the question without sounding insulting. “Well,” he says with a little grin, “I never was very good at turning the other cheek.”

        Thanks, MP, for reminding us to turn the other cheek.

        Liked by 4 people

        1. I went deep for some fresh air and sunshine today, Mick, and wouldn’t you know it was cloudy by the time I got out to the intended spot. Also, I lost some sunglasses out there on the last trip, and wouldn’t you know that the place I lost them was under water because the river was running high. Coming out of there late, with the coyotes already yipping, my eye caught a little patch of white.

          I’ve never seen such a thing amongst the wild desert flowers, but there it is. Turns out it’s a pale evening primrose, something you’re probably familiar with as an herbalist.

          So there I sat on a patch of sand and rock for about an hour, reading online about this plant and all of its many uses, marveling at how riveting such a rare and little thing could be.

          Liked by 5 people

    4. Calamityjane your handle is apt. I think President Trump has done a wonderful job handling this emergency. He’s been calling for at least a year for meds to be made in our own country. This crisis has uncovered a complete lack of efficient emergency systems within our government health agencies. A system that President Trump is correcting if only future administrations are smart enough to keep in place. The question has to be asked, what else has the swamp screwed up? Most of our pro left socialist, anti life incompetent anti constitution agencies have been exposed. FBI, IRS, Education and Justice under Democrat leadership comes immediately to mind. There have been other epidemics here that we handled. Polio comes to mind. It was handled and fixed. We will do it again. But God help us all if we turn it over to poor old dementia puppet Joe in the fall.

      Liked by 8 people

  8. Amen, Charlie.

    Reading this put me in mind of a post of yours from many years ago. It was the one about the placid lake, the canoe and the paddle, and making a plan for traversing the river. All goes well until you hit the rapids.

    So I went looking for it in the archives which I downloaded and lo and behold it was the very first piece I stumbled on. Go figure.

    The piece was entitled “What The Next Right Step Really Means”

    It was posted on Oct 3, 2014. I was tempted to cut and paste gobs and gobs of that piece because you seemed to anticipate this very moment of crisis and how we ought to be handling ourselves in navigating our way through the kind of unexpected rapids we find ourselves in now.

    Perhaps you or Beckita could dust it off and maybe update it a bit for the present moment. It sure made me think and is quite a comfort. Perhaps it could be for others as well.

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Ed … I did a google search for this article — we are in luck … looks like Charlie re-posted it at ASOH on March 5, 2018. 😀

      Liked by 5 people

      1. A lot of people took advantage of the books which SteveBC put together at the old site, gk. For Ed it was a matter of looking through “the archives which I downloaded.”

        Liked by 2 people

  9. Deep down I cannot help but wonder if this is, in fact, being orchestrated to damage Trump, or to manipulate us into a world order. The Left has certainly demonstrated their desperation and determination to bring him down and they’ve been frustrated so far. I wouldn’t be surprised at what length they would go. Maybe we’ll never know but some things just don’t add up.

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Pray for protection of those who do God’s Will in these days, including Trump.

      I just realized today how very important the Auxillium Christianorum is for these days. The battle is as much a spiritual battle that is breaking out into the physical world.

      Liked by 3 people

    2. Sure looks like it KIMSEVIER. It appears to be the kind of event that levels the playing field to even allow a dem with dementia to run for pres against Trump. There are no coincidences, period. They are willing to collapse the entire financial system to maintain power. I seem to recall the idea being floated on this blog that the elites would crash the system, only to find themselves ruined and exposed along the way. Stay safe, we are in uncharted waters. May your aim be true my friends and by all means never flinch… 😎🙌

      Liked by 2 people

  10. Hi Charlie, Beckita, TNRS, and ASOH brothers and sisters,
    It is SO GOOD to be back with all of you. Maybe some of you have noticed that I haven’t been chiming in on the Coronavirus posts. Well, it’s because I’ve been sick and in the hospital. Just got released last night. A week ago Sunday, March 8th, Mike and I went to Mass, as is now usual on Sunday afternoons. We felt fine, so good that we went out to a late lunch with a friend afterward. We went for a walk later that evening before dark. During the week before, I had been feeling just great, walking everyday in the early spring weather. I did have what seemed like a little post nasal drip and allergies, but nothing extraordinary.
    At 11 PM on Sunday night, it hit. Coughing out of control, couldn’t catch my breath. I started running a fever, so I contacted my doctor, and I went in for a flu test. They took 2 nasal swabs and tested one in their office “rapid” test, and the result was negative. They started me on antivirals, assuming it was the flu, and due to problems with my pulse ox level sent me for a chest x-ray. Pneumonia, too. So, now I was put on antibiotics for possible bacterial pneumonia, and also on an inhaler for lowing pulse ox. My second flu test was sent to a lab for checking.
    Monday night, my husband came down with the same symptoms, coughing out of control, fever, breathing difficulties. Same treatment for him. His “rapid” flu test was also negative, but then his second was also sent to an external lab. Over the next few days my breathing became more and more labored. Eventually, Thursday, my pulse ox was around 85/86, and it wouldn’t stay higher. I was sent by my doctor to the ER at the hospital down the hill. My second flu test had been damaged in the lab, so no results. Mike’s second flu test was damaged in shipment, so again, no results.
    In the ER it was very crowded and challenging. There was a brief screening as you enter, and they offered us masks. There was no place for us to isolate ourselves from the other patients, either for their protection or ours. During the 3 hours in the Waiting Room, it was a very challenging time. Most people were quietly sitting there, waiting. Most not even wearing masks. Mike and I were wearing ours. I tried as hard as I could not to cough, but ocassionally I could not help coughing out of control. I was wearing my mask the whole time, but I felt uncomfortable, as well as conspicuous. A woman who was sitting across from me and one seat to the side had removed her mask and was just holding it in her hand. She started coughing out of control, like me, but without the mask. I can see missing it once, but she continued to sit there and cough right straight out in the room onto everyone, without regard for us. An elderly gentleman across and over from us, a few seats down from the coughing woman, was unmasked. I gestured that he should get a mask. He kind of shook his head. I gestured that the illness was very bad, and encouraged him again. The man was using a cane and had a hard time getting up. Mike tried to get up a couple of times to get the man a mask, but I had to keep stopping Mike. Because we were both sick, we were contagious, and touching the mask could have made it worse. TThe elderly man got a mask for himself and another young person in the area. Eventually, the woman got up and left, when her ride came. They were coming by and wiping down empty chairs. I asked them to do hers a second time before someone else came to sit there.
    After 3 hours we were taken back to an ER room. After hearing about all of our challenges on getting a diagnosis for the whole week, the nurse walked my new nasal sample to the lab, and we now knew I had the Influenza A, as well as pneumonia. Thanks be to God! After a total of 8 hours, I was admitted to the hospital. Over the long weekend, they put me on oxygen to help my breathing. Lots of nebulizer treatments. Not a lot of sleep, because the albuterol can be like caffeine. After three days my pulse ox was up enough, that I was able to go home, using a nebulizer up to four times per day. I’ve been home for full day now, and I am doing better.
    Mike had a flu shot in the fall, but still got the Influenza A and pneumonia. I did not have a flu shot this year, and due to some complications with my Type II Diabetes, this flu and pneumonia hit me pretty hard.
    I am sharing all of this with you, because this little journey is, I believe, a preview of what many may encounter soon at their hospitals. My symptoms with the underlying pneumonia-like symptoms are very consistent with those who have the more serious effects of the coronavirus. Also, the experience with the woman in the waiting room is an exemplar of the rare, but selfish people who are choosing the worst in this crisis.
    I don’t want to be all doom and gloom, but I want to let you know what is happening. I am aware of some pretty alarming behaviors in grocery stores in some cities over the last week, including a group of three men threatening to break bottles, then surrounding an elderly woman in line, and trying to intimidate others by calling them out for things in their baskets. It was as if they were trying to insight something. Other incidents where people rushed the stores to get in the doors before opening or intimidated people leaving the stores with their groceries, going to their cars. While discussing this with a relative of mine, I listened to what she thought, and she asked me why I thought they were behaving that way, and I used one word, “evil”. Most people are being kind, patient, helpful, and loving. This crisis is bringing out the best in them. There are others who are facing the same situation, the same “test”, and they are choosing a different path.
    Please know you have all been in my thoughts and prayers throughout this ordeal, and you will continue to be so. I ask for your prayers as well for healing for all who are sick, and especially the medical workers who are on the front lines, serving all of us, keeping us healthy and safe. God bless and keep them, guard and guide them. For those who are choosing the different path, I invite you to join me in praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy as a continuing Novena of Conversion for souls.
    God’s blessings on all of you and your families,
    Deon

    Liked by 14 people

    4. Praying for you and your husband, Deon, for complete recovery. And, yes, have been lifting up in prayer all who are affected by illness and other challenges so that every good God wishes to bring from these events will be fully realized and embraced.

      Liked by 7 people

    5. Deon, I am so glad that you and Mike are well. Thank you for your prayers. I will keep you and yours in mine. I am grateful for the wisdom of your experience.

      I love people watching; sociology, completely out of curiosity and nothing scientific. I’ve noticed that some times folks when overwhelmed, myself included, become entranced so to speak temporarily while processing things and this could mimic disregard. I have family and friends who struggle with autism and their social filters are out of sync with etiquette and even basic manners. I strive to keep that in mind and take the time to help/assist someone who *seems* to not be getting it. I am pleasantly surprised when just the sound of a gentle voice can snap them out of a trance like state of being and quickly bring them back to reasoning. It is not always the case, but certainly worth the effort, imho.

      ❤

      Liked by 8 people

    6. Ten weeks ago (about the same time China was coming into the news) I came down with a cold. I went to the doctor, had a influenza test done (negative) and was told nothing could be done except rest and hydrate. The severe coughing tore the muscle in between my ribs… not as painful as a broken rib several weeks later. I sneezed and felt a strong ‘rip’.

      Over the past several weeks my body has been coughing up clear, white flem from the deepest parts of my lungs. I was told by a local MD bronchial pneuma has been going atound. What a joy (snarch humor) it was to continue with a broken rib. Beyond calling out Jesus, Mary in the middle of the night, I have found great comfort invoking Saint Joseph. It no longer hurts, but time to time, i feel the rib snap into place as i inflate my lungs full.

      Liked by 10 people

      2. Wow, Sean, God bless you, what an ordeal, and Deon too. Mary and Jesus and the angels keep all of us safe.

        I don’t know what to think! With all the reading I do, I go back and forth on how bad this is. My husband would agree with you, Charlie. We can be sure that whatever the situation is, the “bad guys” want to use this to bring Trump down. God help us if we lose him.

        Since we’re isolated here at home, I’m glad to come chat with all of you. 😍

        Liked by 5 people

  12. Yesterday I told my hubby that we are now self-declared, cloistered lay hermits. And we will offer up our solitude for the eradication of the coronavirus and help for its victims. Embracing this solitude with the positivity of the cloistered religious has changed my attitude in the midst of this crisis.
    A nun offered her 29 year experience with social distancing in her cloistered convent in the following link…
    https://www.nj.com/opinion/2020/03/im-a-nun-and-ive-been-social-distancing-for-29-years-here-are-tips-for-staying-home-amid-coronavirus-fears.html

    Liked by 8 people

    1. For the past few years I have been drawn to live as a cloister. My husband too. He is retired and at the end of this school year I will be too. Every Friday when I get home from work we don’t go out except for church. We have no desire. We keep in touch with family etc. but feel we are called to live apart.
      Thank you for posting the link to the cloistered nun. We are living most of it.

      Liked by 7 people

  13. Charlie, this is a first cut on your piece. First, I am tending toward your position as I too watch the numbers. There’s something off here that I can’t put my finger on. Partly, I think there are more than one variant floating around, one more virulent than the other(s). More to the point, though, is that I have come to realize that the problem posed by the virus is exposing how poor the world’s health systems are at treatment. Much good literature exists on how well Vitamin C in moderate to megadose intake will go after any virus, and including a few other nutrients in the cocktail would add to the power of the treatment, yet Vitamin C is rarely even considered. Much of the damage done by this virus, the damage that actually kills, is sepsis. Recently, an American doctor, last name Marik, tested on a small unscientific sample a simple cocktail of a moderate dose of Vitamin C, some Thiamine, and a small amount of hydrocortisone by IV. Of the 40 or so patients with sepsis, *none* died of sepsis, although 8-14% died of their underlying disease within 30 days. The normal death rate from sepsis is 40%, and literally millions of people die of sepsis every year on this planet. It appears that anyone can cure sepsis at home with something like, say, several grams of oral sodium ascorbate plus 200 mgs of thiamine powder, and as many antinflammatory herbs as you can get into you every 12 hours for 2-3 days. Yet progress getting Marik’s simple treatment tested is going moderately slowly. It should go through the medical community like a California wildfire. Who cares if it hasn’t been tested? If the alternate is a 40% death rate from sepsis after massive effort for patients in your care, wouldn’t you add this therapy in just for hope?

    There are other supplements and herbs that are specifically helpful for the specific Covid-19 virus we have here. Yet we have people on respirators and massive efforts to save people who are deathly ill, yet nobody says, hey, ya know, maybe we should just stick a Vitamin C IV into this guy and see if it helps while we do all this other stuff that might or might not work.

    I have heard that the Chinese *are* testing Vitamin C infusions to see if it will help. Where are we? Everyone who tests positive for Covid-19 or who develops symptoms for *any* viral illness that might or might not be Covid-19 should be isolated and given C infusions with some other stuff. Most will be fine, others will have mild cases. Would anyone die? I don’t think so. But our vaunted modern health systems use *neither* approach for this virus. Lunacy. Absolute lunacy. Millions die of sepsis each year, tens of thousands of flu sufferers die of that viral illness every year. Vitamin C is a universal antiviral. Yet our modern medical system doesn’t use it, dismisses it, and even attacks it.

    Here’s a fun speculation. Humans are one of only four or so animals which do not produce our own internally generated Vitamin C. I think it’s just one gene flaw that prevents its manufacture in us. If the loss of the Garden of Eden has an actual physical cause, it is the loss of that internal ability to produce Vitamin C at whatever amount is needed for the moment. That single loss opens all of us up to most of the bad stuff of life. Restore that capability and the vast sea of diseases that assail us and many of the physical infirmities and signs of aging we suffer from would probably disappear overnight.

    Anyway, Charlie, not only am I seeing what you see – a great distance between hype and the numbers – I also see lots of people dying and lots of others afraid because our medical systems have rejected and dismissed simple treatments that would save huge numbers of lives at very low cost and virtually no risk. Is it ignorance or arrogance or corrupt parasitism that is behind this behavior?

    Liked by 9 people

    2. Steve
      You are so right. Too many die when simple, effective, and cheaper options are available. It seems to me our medical profession is not able to think outside the box!
      BTW. A better absorbed form of oral Vitamin C is Liposomal Vitamin C.
      Couple people mentioned things not adding up. It seems there is an underlying (preplanned?)much worse chaos ready to bubble up. I keep asking my self. Order out of chaos? Is that what all of this is? The precursor to all out chaos both in our country and other parts of the world?
      Is it manufactured chaos?
      i don’t know but I throw it out there to hear others thoughts.

      God Bless us all!
      Jacquie

      Liked by 7 people

    3. Ducrossbcglobalnet posted this above Stevebc

      Charlie,
      Go watch X22 Episode 2123B and he lays it all out. You’ll be surprised but pleasantly. I pray for you daily Charlie. Love your blog and your posts.
      Sent from my iPad

      I watched it 3 x and it made sense in lieu of Charlie’s reservations of the #’s being off! What say you???

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Linda, I’ve listened to some of the video. The question remains: What will God allow as we continue moving through these things we face? Even with the best of plans, nothing is set in stone. We keep vigil as we stand ready to act as God nudges us to do.

        Liked by 4 people

    4. Thanks you Steve … It seems logical that it would be something so simple. Reminds me of the simple solution of aspirin and what it alleviates. (I have an OLD female cat who appeared to have suffered a stroke and was hiding in the basement to die. I gave her (an appropriate dose of) aspirin for two days and she perked right out of it — walking, eating, drinking, playing with the kitten, etc … )

      Liked by 6 people

    5. I read from a trusted but forgotten source yesterday that the virus does mutate quickly…

      And, I agree vitamin C use is hampered by lack of research; probably by the fact that natural herbs etc cannot be patented and so aren’t profitable.

      Liked by 2 people

    6. I apologize for being OT…long time member, can’t post for some time. SteveBC, would you mind sharing the coconut oil “ prescription “ for nutrition again? Old, long time illness, no appetite patient in need.

      Prayers for all…

      Thank you so much

      Liked by 3 people

  14. I do not have much time now, but I give you a piece of information: a study conducted in Vo Euganeo, one of the two first red zones in Italy, where tests were conducted extensively says that a rate between 50 and 75 percent of people tested positive but were asimptomatic .
    Here the source, study by University of Florence.

    https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2020/03/16/coronavirus-lo-studio-su-vo-euganeo-tra-il-50-e-il-75-dei-casi-sono-completamente-asintomatici-formidabile-fonte-di-contagio/5738910/

    For your reasoning on numbers.
    So, IF tests are reliable, this is relevant.

    Lilia

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Thank you for sending the link to this study, Lilia. It really is important, especially given that in the United States no testing is done on people who are not showing symptoms.

      Liked by 5 people

  15. I don’t think the virus is as bad as everyone says. I can also see that the authorities are in a difficult position, so I have no comments on their decisions. It is what it is.
    However, yesterday the weight of what is happening hit me.
    In Spain 20% are retired and there is a 15%(14.23%) unemployment. With few children on the way. So 65% of the population is working and paying in the system…. normally. Tourism is the biggest industry with restaurants, shops, cafés… Now all closed. So right now with everyone restricted at home how much of the population is working? I’m going to cut 65% by half ( I don’t know the exact % but alot of the population is self-employed with small shops so I don’t think it unreasonable to say half of the working population isn’t working right now) It leaves us with 32.5% of people are working. And this more or less for all of Europe.
    Quarantine is probably going to last more than 2 weeks leading us to April. With bills to pay….Morgages, ect, Logically, I don’t see how Europe can overcome this… Maybe. But somehow I doubt it.
    A 2+ months quarantine is also quite plausible. And this one country after another. Like dominos….
    I think Russia has decided that the economic consequences of quarantining the population aren’t worth it but it doesn’t matter they will still be affected by the decision of the other countries.
    Add to the mix that most countries are going through some other crisis. ( I’m from Canada and they were dealing with train/climat protests).
    This certainly does seem to be the beginning of the end for our era and the collapse of our society ( economically, socially and politically) can easily be seen.
    Again, I am no financial expert but I don’t think I’m far off. Right now people are generally taking it with humour because they see it as temporary but I think come April and May there will be a different atmosphere.
    I think even want to think at what would happen if the internet goes….

    Liked by 9 people

    1. I don’t study stats… But our last est numbers are 1081 recovered and 598 deaths…. Plus almost 2000 more cases since last night…. People talk about the flu but less then 1000 people died from the flu between 2017-18 in Spain. (I have to find the official numbers for last year) so all this talk of the virus being like a flu is, I think, underestimating this virus. After the peak, then what? We start going on our everyday lifes ??? I doubt it.
      I’m going to send some money to relatives back in Canada, now that I can because later may be too late, and ask them to use it wisely. It may be time to find out who has a farm/land and find out if animals can be bought, sheep/goat/chickens, ect
      We are all living as if it is temporary, but perhaps it is wiser to see this as something long term. We’ve been waiting for the total collapse of the economy, society and political structure. Maybe it will be temporary, then the animals can be sold or eaten. No big deal. However, more and more this feels like this is it. Remember, we’ve been told that we were ALL going to be affected and praying for relief. I think we should see this situation already as long term with lasting consequenced. (Right now we are living as if it is short term so we are being patient with the inconveniences. ) Eventually, the relief money will dry up, savings too( Spain is putting 200 000€) and imagine society without money for awhile. We need to pray for guidance and be proactive as when as contemplative. Perhaps by summer things will have some normalcy but regardless, I don’t see how things can be the same, there are too many crises everywhere and the economic impact is enormous. Once one country is out of the outbreak another is starting. I don’t think there will be any traveling anytime soon. It is going to be a very difficult year. I remember Charlie talking about a time without Christmases, it very well be this year.

      Liked by 4 people

  16. It doesn’t matter if the virus is mild or serious at this point. The dominos have started to fall. Even if this is not the start of the collapse, it is going to be a difficult year and it will be difficult for things to be “normal” again. There will be lasting consequences… That will lead to the collapse.

    Liked by 7 people

    1. I hear what you’re saying Itaca, Restaurants and taverns are being closed here now in the US with only take out meals available…..people are being laid off from their jobs….if the government decides to close all non-essential businesses….it will be “curtains” for so many. I’m praying they don’t do that….but it’s possible. We have a small business and don’t know how we’d survive if that happens. I know this whole thing wasn’t God’s idea but we can only wait and see how it all comes out. May God have mercy on us all.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. I am in the cattle business . So many in agriculture have been eking by on fumes anyhow . So much has been against us . We can’t take much more of this either .

        Liked by 7 people

          1. Thank all of you for your prayers . Made my trip to Sioux Falls todayour church group does each year to serve meals to homeless people . So humbling . Always reminds me how small we are really and how much this world needs God . Everyone stay safe

            Liked by 3 people

        3. God bless you, SODA. I am reminded of the video posted of the, was it Montana, “rush hour”, all the cattle on the highway. It was so funny, but your situation is not. I so feel for family businesses and farms and ranches, especially when they are up against big business that hurts the families. God be with you!

          Liked by 4 people

    2. ITACA123, the first time I read this comment I felt anxiety. After re-reading it now, it made me feel joy. I don’t want people to die, Heavens no, but I DO want the world to change even if it requires a collapse. I don’t long for pain and misery, but if it is the currency that buys a world closer to God, I will pay it. I weep at the thought of my poor children living in the world the way it is. I pray that the changes that are coming lead to a better world.

      Liked by 5 people

    1. It is seeming to be a trend, Christopher J. The Joliet Diocese announced yesterday no daily Masses beginning today. Oddly, our state primary elections are business as usual though.

      Liked by 4 people

    2. Effective 3/18, no Masses in the Diocese of Lansing (MI). Yesterday our illustrious governor banned all indoor gatherings of more than 50 people. She made several exemptions, but she did not exempt churches. So today our good bishop reluctantly cancelled all Masses. However, the churches will remain open; so will the adoration chapels. Confession will be available, too.

      There is Mass tonight at a parish 20 minutes from us. The seven of us are going to go; who knows when we’ll get another chance.

      Liked by 7 people

      3. I just opened a *flocknote* to read this message from our pastor and would love your thoughts. I hesitated and did not respond, instead I am applying my 24 hour knee-jerk reaction time out. :p

        Confessions are being offered…on Friday, March 20 from 6pm to 7pm and Saturday, March 21 from 3pm to 5pm, in both English and Spanish.
        Confessions will take place in the commons. Penitents are asked to line up outside the commons doors, and staff will admit you to the commons and direct you to a confessor. Due to social distancing, all will be asked to remain outside the building until admitted by a staff member, and remain at least six feet apart from each other. Please follow the directions of the staff, AND PLEASE BE PATIENT.
        We ask that penitents limit their confessions to just how long it’s been since your last confession, sins and number of times. Since we are trying to serve everyone, confessors will be unable to offer extended counsel at this time. Penitents are asked to pray an act of contrition before they come to Father. Acts of contrition will be available from the staff for your convenience.
        There will be a screen between Father and the penitent. Face to face confessions are not available at this time.
        We apologize for the restrictions and that the church will not be open, but we are trying to serve people and keep everyone safe in a difficult time. Thank you in advance for your cooperation, which is expected.
        A collection box will be available if you are able to bring your Sunday offering.

        Liked by 1 person

          1. Whew, Charlie, thank you. I am glad it wasn’t only me. Where is the trust in God in all that?!

            I will go elsewhere and perhaps even keep my thoughts to myself, for now, as we are in uncharted territory.

            ❤

            Liked by 1 person

          2. I have resolved that if I can find a confessor available that the prudent thing to do would be to forego the usual face to face in order to enhance mutual protection. After all I can not be sure I have not been exposed and could be an inadvertent carrier, I had become voluntarily cautious when I first learned of the virus without waiting for orders. May God protect and guide all here and throughout the world and bring a swift end t this threat. jas

            Liked by 2 people

        2. Gee, I guess since God has made such a big mess of things with this virus, it’s time for Bureaucracy to seize the reins. If you can’t go anywhere else, maybe show up wearing a giant inflatable duck tube to maintain a healthy social distance.

          Liked by 2 people

    3. Effective March 16, masses no longer available in the Diocese of Scranton in PA. Masses are also cancelled in the Diocese of Arlington (VA) and the Archdiocese of Washington, DC. :;-(

      Liked by 2 people

  18. A couple of days ago I brought up the idea that we have two major schools of thought with respect to the Covid 19 virus which were summarized as the Growthers vs the Base Raters. Whether you are a Growther or a Base Rater depends on a lot of things including your personality and your education. Or, the kind of stuff that shapes the way you and I look at things and interpret the world around us . We all look at things differently. That can lead to hard feelings as we look at the same phenomena with different eyes. We all gotta get past that. Charlie explains it with great acuity.

    The author of the article I linked pointed out that Growthers include people in the financial industry. That caught my eye. What do financial types all have in common that would shape how they view the world? They all have been educated in and have a certain awe of something called The Miracle of Compound Interest. Can’t explain how Compound Interest works here but if anybody is interested you can youtube it and get some interesting visual presentations.

    The thing is the math of compounding growth is awesome. In the financial world compounding income growth can make you filthy rich. In the virology world compounding infections can make you filthy dead.

    Here is a youtube that should speak to the Growthers around here and that may also help explain to the Base Raters around here what we Growthers are simply terrified about concerning this virus. Maybe it will help you Base Raters to understand us a little better.

    We are looking at a lot of infections in the VERY near future. This is a tough virus. It spreads fast. It is a killer. How does it kill? Here is another youtube that does a pretty good job of explaining how Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) goes after us.

    I think if you combine the info on how the Covid 19 exponential growth is operating at this time together with the what happens to those infected sufficiently to generate ARDS in one you might see why Growthers are self-isolating and social distancing like crazy.

    I see the problem the world faces as a RACE between the case rate exponential growth rate combined with a mortality rate which taken together imply millions of deaths over a remarkably short time vs the development of effective therapies and THE VACCINE.

    The vaccine is the holy grail. The vaccine will have to be made available to the whole world. All 8 billion of us. Especially, I hope, to those in the most vulnerable group such as the Elderly and those with underlying physical conditions. Like me. However, something tells me that the vaccine when it is available is going to be prioritized to the young along the Emmanuel Ezekiel Dr Mengele model. That is the notion that nonproductive elderly are expendable in the pursuit of saving the species. We are seeing some evidence of that kind of generational triage in Italy already.

    So, IMO, we gotta go quick, quick quick. Hours count not days. We gotta slow that exponential case rate growth just as quick as we can. That is the logic behind all of the lockdowns, quarantines. travel bans, and all the Containment options we have seen. Testing is no longer the prime need right now. Listening to Dr Fauci I believe he feels we have missed the Containment window at this point. So we are into the Mitigation window. Social Distancing. Self-isolation. Limiting of groups of people gathering in petri dishes of virus transmission. This is why businesses and associations and sports and restaurants and bars and schools and governments and churches have to be shut down. Mitigation, effective mitigation, is turning out to be a beoch that Americans haven’t been prepared for and there is a question how much of it will be tolerated for very long. But hard Mitigation measures are necessary to slow that exponential case rate growth and a mortality rate that is now estimated to be 10 times that of the flu virus.

    Case rate growth combined with a rugged mortality rate makes you go —- wow!

    It’s a race. In the end it is a race to the vaccine which will snuff out Covid 19. Anything we can do as a species to slow down the enemy until we develop the vaccine is something we must be open to.

    What about the vaccine? The good news is we have what I have described and view as an Oklahoma Land Rush of private free enterprise pharmaceutical and medical whipping the horses to get to the vaccine firstus with the mostest. Governments are going to have to stand back and root them on because there is no Government bureaucracy The world will win the race but those necessary mitigation efforts are a key part of the survival plan.

    For those interested here is a pretty good seminar of the state of play today. Warning its a long video.

    I think we won’t be the same kind of society after this. It is going to have lasting effects on America. It is also likely to have unintended consequences some of which may surprise a lot of people. Perhaps this experience will lead many people to memento mori. Remember thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return. Curious that this whole thing is unfolding rapidly during Lent isn’t it? There’s an old saying that nothing focuses the attention like a hanging at dawn. Now that we have seen the churches shut down in many dioceses and the access to the sacraments shut off that fact alone will turn more Catholics to will be focused to reconsider where they stand in their relationship to God and lead many lapsed Catholics to return to the Church and to the sacraments. Let’s hope.

    Part of the Rescue? Re-read Charlie’s piece entitled What The Next Step Really Means. In it he describes how God works in ways we can hardly fathom. All our plans and analysis must amuse God greatly. Jesus, we place our trust in you.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. In the interest of fairness here is a Base Rater analysis which just showed up today. I think it is a little weak but make up your own mind. This author sees the death toll in the U.S. as 731 max. It will be all over in 6-8 weaks vaccine or no vaccine social distancing or no social distancing. All we are doing is wrecking our economy with unnecessary mitigation measures. A different way to view the world around us. I cut this guy a lot of slack.

      https://www.citizenfreepress.com/breaking/physician-speaks-out-social-distancing-is-a-mistake-virus-is-spread-by-surface-contact/

      What is really interesting is that the next 2 to 3 weeks will tell the tale. Can we afford to just wait it out as this man implies? Or go hard at mitigation which I believe is essential to save thousands if not millions of deaths?

      Time will tell.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. The case rate is still unknown and has a wide margin of error. Same is true for the mortality rate. Multiplying those two factors together, taking into account the range of best and worst cases, results in a range of possibilities so wide as not to be terribly helpful. That’s okay, but you have to go back to the data we actually have and can verify. How many people are hospitalized, in ICU, or have died for coronavirus or anything at all tells us a lot. Keeping very close track of actual deaths will likely tell us a lot more than computer model projections. It would also be interested to know the percentage of people who get tested for covid-19 based on symptoms or risk factors end up testing negative.

        Liked by 4 people

        1. Goldensun, I don’t know percentages. But I remember reading that in China in the thick of the epidemic there, it was not uncommon for a person with symptoms to test negative several times before testing positive.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. It’s reportedly happening here, Mick – according to interviews with docs on Tucker Carlson’s show – along with some individuals who test negative and actually have the virus in a mild form

            Liked by 2 people

  19. Where I live in NY everything is shutting down. We are well north of the city, and I thought we had more time before Masses were suspended here, but I was wrong. Cuomo also seems bound and determined to push us towards a hard quarantine. My family and I are thinking about how to celebrate Easter without being able to go to the Church. We are going to do the Stations on Good Friday and maybe have an Easter Vigil Bonfire or something. I think there is a very old German tradition of having a fire in anticipation of the Resurrection. Another family I know are turning their garden shed into a little chapel for their family. We have a generous priest friend in common who has been live streaming Masses and all kinds of prayers and encouragements on facebook. It is possible to be sad and still at peace, it is possible to be concerned and yet still at peace. I don’t look too hard at the death rate or spend much time trying to figure out exactly how deadly this thing is, everything is in God’s hands and my only job is to walk within His Will. I have read several articles about this illness, but I am not a governor nor a virologist, I am a housewife, my job is not to attempt to figure it all out to the point of distraction but to find a path through for my little family in the details of life that fall under my sphere of influence. What happened is that a strange virus met modernism, and these two plagues have joined forces. Some day historians will untangle this narrative, but for right now I have to stay home in the spirit of obedience and charity and focus on doing well in my family life, taking care of my neighbors and allowing the momentum of these days to move me towards a deeper prayer life out of love. In every case, it doesn’t matter at all how we feel . . . some people are terribly worried, or feel ashamed at being worried, or guilty about feeling kind of energized by this crisis, relieved maybe at getting to stay home . . . we’re all a mess of intentions and feelings that are maybe misplaced, magnified or not pure, but there is nothing at all we can do about that part of us but offer it to Jesus and then ask Him for what is necessary to walk in His Will. In that way we will find peace in crisis and discern that next right step. Even if what we do turns out to be not the most perfect thing, as long as we try to have that trust in God He will use that good will of ours for His ends. The events unfolding may be from Hell, but with Jesus we have the freedom to respond to all of these things when they come as sons and daughters of God.

    Liked by 18 people

    4. Not being able to attend Mass on Palm Sunday, during Holy Week and on Easter will be especially painful. We too, are thinking what we can do to celebrate Easter should this continue into Holy Week. My daughter is in an American Heritage Girls Troop. We had planned to gather as a Troop on Palm Sunday afternoon for a family paschal candle and butter lamb making session (the lamb is a Polish Buffalo, NY tradition) which would have then been blessed on Holy Saturday. Since I will still be making a butter lamb and candle, I think I’ll turn the gathering into a Zoom meeting so we don’t break the “10 or less people in a gathering” guideline from New York State. Modify, adjust, take the next right step and try to make our light from Him shine a little brighter!

      Liked by 2 people

    3. Beautiful, For The Sake of ….

      Here is my favorite St Pat’s Irish Song. It, too, has a message for us as we cope with this coronavirus crisis that is isolating so many these days ….. call home ET! Call your old Pa he misses you! Tempus Fugit!

      Liked by 5 people

  22. JESUS = GOOD NEWS 😉

    Mu Sis sent me the below for a happy start today:
    https://www.thedodo.com/in-the-wild/squirrel-knocks-on-womans-door

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/03/12/power-prayer-deal-reduce-coronavirus-anxiety-covid-19-column/5014472002/

    https://www.praymorenovenas.com/pandemic-novena

    http://blog.adw.org/2020/03/five-hard-truths-that-will-set-you-free-3/

    https://www.nationalreview.com/2020/03/coronavirus-will-pandemic-change-us/#slide-1

    https://stream.org/15-days-to-slow-the-spread-president-issues-new-guidelines-for-all-americans-to-follow/

    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2020/03/17/dr-faucis-mysterious-math-the-quantifying-today-reflects-where-we-were-a-week-ago-today-cannot-be-quantified-until-next-week/

    https://www.catholicleague.org/request-to-reprimand-rep-tlaib/

    https://stream.org/the-revival-of-revenge/

    HAPPY SAINT PATRICK’S DAY 😉

    https://www.crisismagazine.com/2020/how-america-invented-the-celts

    https://www.crisismagazine.com/2020/a-toast-to-st-patrick

    GOD SAVE ALL HERE!!

    Liked by 7 people

  23. I claim absolutely no expertise whatsoever. It’s fair to say that estimates of total cases may be meaningless, especially when applying an estimated infection rate to the total population. That approach easily leads to hyperbolic panic. I wish someone was tracking just the number of hospitalizations and deaths by age bracket. Then we could extrapolate the number of infections based on some estimate of the percentage of people that require hospitalization by age.

    Liked by 7 people

  24. Today, St. Particks day is the first day Albany Diocese has ceased all masses until further notice. I am under Spiritual Attack for the past several hours. Has anyone similarities and like circumstances? For me, it is quite noticable, not receiving the Eucharist.

    Liked by 10 people

    2. Sean, I have found great personal relief from spiritual attack in using the deliverance prayers at auxiliumchristianorum.org This weekly cycle of daily prayers takes maybe ten minutes or so a day to pray. For me they have been life changing. You will be in my prayers.
      PAX,
      Matthew

      Liked by 8 people

  25. It would seem the W.H.O. purposely lowered the world’s guard by recommending measures that would guarantee spread & infection saying “low risk” & “ineffective” to negate any reasonable containment measures, then enough people are infected in the world, swing the pendulum the other way to make the world panic and have governments enact measures that activate global government effectively nullifying everyone’s freedoms & rights.

    Am I close?

    Liked by 7 people

    1. I remember people going crazy like this once before, 9/11…

      The world used 9/11 to limit & remove people’s rights & freedoms, how much rights & freedoms are we going to loose under Covid 19 so that people can FEEL safe?

      Liked by 3 people

  27. All Masses for Diocese of Sacramento, CA, cancelled effective 3/19/20.

    Adoration will be ongoing, and most likely can now include all day Saturday and Sunday. Previously it ended Saturday morning and resumed Monday morning.

    St. Joseph, pray for us!

    Liked by 5 people

  28. In Washington state and New York I heard 2 young Drs. who have been caring for patients are now in critical condition; ventilating people with Covid-19 is showing how this virus can quickly take over. We all need to keep our distance and stay home so we can help decrease the burden on the medical staffs at our hospitals. PRAYER FOR ALL!

    Liked by 8 people

  29. I learned today that the Church venerates St Corona who was from northern Italy and died a martyr in Syria about 170ad. She is the patron saint of epidemics!p

    Liked by 7 people

  30. Does anyone know anything about a 2 week shutdown of almost everything (except essential services) starting next week? Everyone is expected to stay in their homes…

    Like

  31. We just received an email from our Bishop in Springfield-Cape Girardeau Missouri, that until further notice all Masses are canceled. You can tell this was done with a heavy heart. The blessing is he will be live streaming Mass on Sundays at 9, encouraging rosary, Chaplet, Adoration, and all priests to be available to their people as best they can. I am grateful for Charlie’s post yesterday that prepared me for this news. I have neve in my life been without Mass, now I will be able to understand the pain those from other countries have endured in the past. We will get through this a better nation and people. God bless us all.

    Liked by 6 people

  32. “And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently.

    “And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.

    “And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.”

    ~Kitty O’Meara

    Liked by 13 people

    2. I love these pictures, Beckita!! They have an old-fashioned look and I had a flashback to my childhood books. I was just talking to hubby about how growing up we didn’t watch TV, but instead I devoured books! Great time now to read a lot.

      God strengthen us all. I know the calm I have is from belonging to the Blessed Mother! And of course to Jesus and St. Joseph. Early happy feast day, beloved St. Joseph! Remember the consecration to St. Joseph!

      Liked by 3 people

  33. My thoughts for what they are worth on this virus .
    Approximately 150,000 people die every day in our world .
    On average anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000 people die in one year from the flu in our country alone .
    Every day in our country somewhere between 3,000 and 4000 babies are killed in this country alone ,and this concerned media and the liberal politicians are not in the least concerned .
    Jesus statement “ you will know them by their works “comes to mind with that one .
    Our media and the liberal left will stop at nothing to try to derail President Trump and the conservative and moral resurgence he has been responsible for .
    Over the last 20 years we had Ebola , Asian flu , swine flu ,west Nile and several others that without a doubt infected more and killed more than this is doing ,yet every day we are being fed the mantra ,this is worse than any other .
    President Trump has irritated the enemy . This reminds me of how the possessing spirit acts when it is revealed and cornered during an exorcism . Kinda similar to draining the swamp .
    We all know better than this . This panic and hysteria is doing way more harm than the virus ever could have . Anxiety and stress kills .
    If we accept this logic from the powers that be . Are we going to accept when they tell us we can’t drive any more ? Because more people die by from in car wrecks than are going to die from this virus

    Liked by 7 people

  34. From Massachusetts – I too think there is something out of proportion in the response to this. I cannot know the truth, but I am disturbed at Mass being “suspended” as if God, who takes care of every celestial body, cannot manage a virus. All restaurants and bars are closed, except for take-out. Stores are limiting hours. Many people who support these business are low wage earners. They will get hurt badly. The message is to stay home. And the media is hyping to the extreme. People are scared and grasping for every loaf of bread and bottle of milk on the shelf.
    I work in a large hospital system in the lab system EMR. After TP, the next thing everyone wants is a Coronavirus test. The hospitals are running out of nasal swabs to collect specimens. All the large labs are 7-10 days behind in being able to do testing. Reagents to do the tests are back ordered.
    Patients and physicians are calling non-stop for results, and they do not want to wait.
    People have to calm down and trust that God is good, God loves them, God will take care of them, and their panic to grasp a solution will not bring them peace or health. We have had only ~160 cases State-wide.
    I wonder on the effect of 3-4 weeks of forced isolation. It will make or break people.
    Lord, have mercy on us – your children who have lost our way.

    Liked by 8 people

  35. Our public Masses in South Jersey have now been canceled. I believe that there will be Adoration for small groups of people. We also have heard that there are 2 cases in our county now, which is Gloucester. My job involves critical infrastructure and I’m still working. Fortunately I don’t have contact with the public and I mostly work alone. My wife has an autoimmune disease and is therefore considered vulnerable to the virus. We normally avoid crowds except for Mass, so things aren’t that much different for us right now. Fun is a hike in the state forest or a walk on the beach off season.

    Liked by 5 people

  36. We have been socially distancing since the 12th of March. I did leave the house to attend the early Mass at our parish on Sunday but other than that and a couple of walks about the neighborhood we have been housebound. I was doing o.k. until tonight when, after a very muted St. Patrick’s day dinner, it all came crashing down mentally. I experienced a sense of dread and fear such as I have felt few times in my life. I know that God is in charge and I try to live my life in that belief but the stress and emotions of the past weeks were taking control. I recognized this as partially being an attack by the evil one but I still could not shake it, even with prayer.

    Finally, to distract myself, I began working on a project I had been putting off. With only two week’s notice, the College where I teach told us we must continue our courses over the internet. Having never taught that way before I was not even sure how to proceed. Part of my stress was about how to accomplish this demand. Still feeling awful and overwhelmed, I began to review the materials the College sent to us and to work up recorded and written statements to send to my students. I tried to be cheerful and encouraging, not wanting to make any of their situations more burdensome than they already are. After about ninety minutes I stopped and realized that the fear and dread had disappeared. The simple act of focusing on others and not myself had sent the mental goblins fleeing off. The high point of this was that one of my students was still at their email and quickly responded even though it was nearly midnight. We emailed back and forth a couple of times. The student seemed happy for the communication.

    Two things I take from this. Even those of us who have been trying to follow God’s will and have known Jesus and His Mother for many years will have moments of fear and doubt in the midst of this chaos. God is still with us in those moments. Secondly; One of the cures for those moments is to focus on others, not yourself. Take the next right step.

    JT

    Liked by 10 people

  37. https://ww3.tlig.org/en/messages/lord-have-mercy-on-me-the-sinner/
    True Life in God – Vassula Ryden
    Lord, have mercy on me, the sinner!
    March 13, 2020

    summon the people and tell them: without repenting and truthfulness in your prayer this evil will last longer than you think; turn to Me, your God and repent; a sincere and universal prayer will reach Me, your God; fasting will cast away demons; any sacrifice is acceptable to Me; cast away your lethargic spirit and renounce your evil ways, and make peace with Me, your God; let Me hear: “Lord, have mercy on me, the sinner!” and I will show compassion; and I will rain blessings on all of you; come, do not fear; I am listening… ic

    It just so happens that Fr Z’s lenten podcast about the 2.18 minute mark is A UNIVERSAL PRAYER FOR ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO SALVATION
    https://wdtprs.com/2020/03/lentcazt-2020-21-tuesday-in-the-3rd-week-of-lent-the-universal-prayer/

    Liked by 4 people

  38. I get a couple of daily emails from Catholic sites. One is Catholic Answers and today’s email addresses what Charlie addressed: https://us8.campaign-archive.com/?u=09c58b994a76beb19958cf854&id=b210da7a50&e=64c7c5d70d

    There was a very interesting clarification regarding the difference between Transubstantiation and Transformation.

    “Once it is consecrated, the substance of the bread and wine offered at Mass become the substance of Christ’s glorified body and blood. This is why the miracle of the Eucharist becoming Christ’s body is called transubstantiation, not transformation.

    The form or accidents of bread and wine still remain, which is why too much of the precious blood can still make someone inebriated. It’s also why those who suffer from celiac disease rightly do not receive the consecrated host. The accidents associated with wheat bread still remain even after the bread becomes the body of Christ…”

    I bring this up, because it has the beginnings of an answer to a rhetorical flourish made by an athiest to me; the flourish was, “Why should I subscribe/believe in a cannibalistic religion?”

    I did not know of this distinction between Transubstantiation and Transformation, so I had no good dialectical reply. The rhetorical reply is now obvious, “I will answer your question when you can explain to me the difference between Transformation and Transubstantiation”. However, I need to flesh out the dialectical details.

    I have never seen this distinction addressed here, and I thought you all might enjoy the discussion.

    grace and peace,

    t

    Liked by 7 people

  39. Rereading ‘Left To Tell’ by Immaculée Ilibagiza. Gives perspective on my complaining about cabin fever when she and 7 other gals hid in a 3×4 foot bathroom for 90 days, taking turns sitting and standing. Fed scraps from pastor’s family leftovers. She lost 40 lbs. Said 27 rosaries and 40 Divine Mercy chaplets daily while hearing the opposing tribe killing men, women, children outside. She had a dream she’d be working at the U.N., so in the tiny cubicle she taught herself English via pastor’s books and a bi-lingual dictionary/bible. Eventually she was able to forgive those who slaughtered her family. Worth a read; if anyone has books to recommend to read during these challenging times, please do so. ty!

    12 Catholic movies to watch during social distancing…
    https://aleteia.org/2020/03/18/12-catholic-movies-to-watch-during-social-distancing/

    Liked by 8 people

  40. JESUS = GOOD NEWS 😉

    https://www.faithwire.com/2020/03/16/coronavirus-the-good-news/

    https://www.crisismagazine.com/2020/wash-your-hands-and-repent

    Who Knows? …………. Who The Good Guys are???
    https://www.churchmilitant.com/video/episode/vortex-catholics-china-and-covid-19?mc_cid=fd27ddcc21&mc_eid=2a0b6c7ef6

    https://www.crisismagazine.com/2020/no-rainbows-for-saint-patrick

    https://www.lifenews.com/2020/03/16/joe-biden-americans-should-be-forced-to-find-abortions-because-killing-babies-is-health-care/

    https://townhall.com/columnists/larryoconnor/2020/03/17/5-big-government-americadestroying-schemes-democrats-proposed-during-covid19-crisis-n2565105

    https://townhall.com/columnists/walterewilliams/2020/03/18/socialisms-past-n2565057

    https://townhall.com/columnists/byronyork/2020/03/18/joe-biden-a-centrist-moves-further-left-n2565148

    Not to Worry …. The Democrats will confiscate those evil guns from The Producer Class.
    Ya feel better now? … Eh!???
    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2020/03/17/thunderdome-2020-begins-philadelphia-police-will-not-arrest-for-burglary-or-theft-due-to-coronavirus/

    https://www.nationalreview.com/2020/03/joe-biden-plan-to-shut-down-the-firearms-industry/

    GOD SAVE ALL HERE!!

    Liked by 5 people

  41. HOLY $###!!! It’s a globalist-communist takeover of the world happening in real time!

    The Red Dragon played a move no one was expecting. The lockdowns, shutdown of communities, the massive rewriting of laws to accommodate “emergency powers”, the shutdown & restructuring of the economy, and spending the money in socialists ways…

    PRAY everyone it’s happening NOW and getting worse by the hour!

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Been praying, Al, and will continue. We knew these days would come and the good news is that we’ve got each other and we know that the difficult things are like labor pains, bringing us closer to birthing a New Beginning. Praying for Christ’s Peace for you, Al, and for us all. God bless you.

      Liked by 10 people

      1. I most of us expected a war, a military takeover, or a societal revolt.

        No one would of seen this coming. Causing worldwide panic with a virus weaker than the flu, and using it transform our countries, our governments, & our democracies & republics into states of the Globalist New World Order. I’m not sure how things are looking in America, but here in Canada I see our free nation dissolving before my eyes as we’re starting to adopt communism, and most people cheering on the change.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Not sure yet, Al, if the COVID19 is weaker than the flu. But it surely is surprising in its impact. We have been counseled to be ready for surprises. God bless you, Al.

          Liked by 3 people

        2. Al, I no longer think this virus is weaker then the flu. I have 4 relatives who are nursesin Alberta, Mom, a brother and two sister-in-laws. The hospitals are already running out of supplies.
          In Spain, with official numbers there were more than 500 deaths to almost 1081 recovered with close to 2000 in 12 hours. Today a young police officer in his late 30s died. The virus also seems to mutate so I’m not sure what good vaccines will do. We will know soon enough. Neither do I recall any country spraying their streets for the flu or any past virus outbreaks or people suddenly collapsing. Regardless, it no longer matters now if it is mild or serious. The dominoes have started to fall and we’ve been waiting for this.

          Liked by 3 people

          1. SteveBC was dating before there could be multiple strains of the virus tuned to different ethnic DNA. I don’t know, to tell you the truth.

            There’s definitely a polical spin & psychological being done.

            Liked by 2 people

    3. Just finished praying the Rosary as it streamed from Rome on EWTN. Quite beautiful. I do wonder what Church it was. St. Joseph was there by the altar all decked out in beautiful flowers. Also found EWTN’s page with the Eucharistic Adoration and will leave it on my computer till they stop at 3 pm Eastern.

      Our kids emphatically said not to go out! Would love to go get a couple of things at the store. What a strange time this is! So glad we are used to a quiet life, but Lord have mercy!

      Liked by 3 people

  43. What great reading. It’s been months since I’ve had time to completely read Charlie’s post and comments. My sincerest thanks to all. I’m watching my wife, teaching our granddaughter and doing homework. What a beautiful and pleasing site to see. I’ll pick up a few subjects myself and give my wife a break. Truth is, what’s more important at this moment. I’m right here right now, Jesus is with us and all is well.

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Bob, I don’t believe any of us seek to support conspiracy theories. In the writer’s own words: “They suggested that it cannot be an artificial creation because its structure ‘differed substantially from those of already known coronaviruses and mostly resembled related viruses found in bats and pangolins’.” And further into the piece it is written: “However, we still do not know exactly how the coronavirus came into being.” So I read this with caution and wait for replication of this research to see if these results are confirmed.

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Keep in mind that engineered biological anomalies are NOT created. Rather, existing biological materials are tweaked, combined and manipulated in ways that develop particularly desired properties. Thus, insect and disease resistant corn, wheat and other crops were NOT created out of whole cloth; rather, what God had already created was manipulated in ways to bring out and enhance desirable characteristics. Not a single bio-weapon I know of was ever “created” in a lab. Either this reporter does not know how bio-engineering actually works or the scientist successfully sold him on a straw man. The key word is “artificially.” No bio-weapon is fabricated. All are derivatives of existing biological material. Only God can create biological material – but man can manipulate them. Frankly, I think this is Chinese propaganda – that counts on people not being at all familiar with the process. It is literally true, but utterly irrelevant to what happened and what many serious people have come to suspect.

        Liked by 12 people

        2. Good point, we don’t always clearly & accurately say what we mean to say. I wonder why such actions are described as creating when it’s manipulation? Propoganda or bad language skills?

          Liked by 1 person

        3. I admit, I am a bit sceptical that this was an attempt at a weapon, since it’s lethality is so low compared to most bios, and I was just hoping for a response. That said, we don’t have certainty either way. Have a good day and God Bless all. May we all use the extra time we now have well, and let us all pray prayers of reparation for our many sins, including our sins of omission in response to the evils in our world, before we ask God to remove this evil from us.

          Liked by 3 people

  46. Jumping back in to say Jesus I TRUST in you! …after laying low…still praying for all here …and reading. All FLorida masses canceled as of end of today 3/18. 😣

    https://www.orlandodiocese.org/under-your-protection-we-seek-refuge-holy-mother-of-god/

    Got to witness Mirjanas November 2 apparition last year. Today she was told Our Lady would not again be visiting her 2nd of the month apparition, but once a year 3/18 . Also if you recall Mirjana said March 18 date and BVM Monday abs Wednesday bread and water fast would be understood in the future. I for one won’t forget this date when receiving the Eucharist at Holy Mass the last time for who knows how long.

    https://medjugorjelive.org/category/media/

    I pray that we can get our priests to expose the Blessed Sacrament and put speakers out playing the Holy Rosary in the grounds of our churches.

    Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on us! Immaculate Heart of Mary pray for us! God bless all ♥️

    Liked by 10 people

  47. Luz de Maria…

    Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary
    March 19th @ 3 PM

    “DARKNESS HAS TAKEN POSSESSION OF THE GREATER PART
    OF HUMAN ACTION AND BEHAVIOUR.

    You are witnesses to how in an instant everything can change for humanity; YOU DO NOT PAY HONOR AND GLORY TO THE “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (cf. Rev. 19:16; I Tim 6:15), but I see most countries deserted in the face of a pandemic.

    THEREFORE, I CALL ALL HUMANITY TO PRAY, BESEECHING THE MOST HOLY TRINITY THAT THE VIRUS BE HALTED IN THEIR HOLY WILL.

    I CALL ON ALL HUMANITY TO PRAY ON THURSDAY, MARCH 19 AT THREE IN THE AFTERNOON IN EVERY COUNTRY, THE PRAYER THAT MY SON TAUGHT YOU (The Lord’s Prayer), AS AN OFFERING PLEASING TO THE ETERNAL FATHER, SLOWLY AND FROM THE HEART, THREE TIMES.”

    https://www.revelacionesmarianas.com/english.htm

    Liked by 5 people

    1. It’s interesting that the Our Father was requested three times. This was also a request by Our Lady in Medjugorje, 3 Our Fathers.

      Liked by 1 person

  48. Yikes I cleaned for hospital person today…my Liz still quarantined but so far no symptoms… one huge difference I’m seeing besides world shutting down is my kids after many years of minimal contact are not ignoring me anymore…it’s just wonderful…we’ve been group texting and joking around and some serious stuff too all day..stressful things going on but nice how families are talking again love you all!!!TNRS ASOH!! All hair shops in Ohio closed now!!! Now that’s serious stuff!!! Just joshin😂

    Liked by 9 people

  49. I can barely contain myself adoration is still open at our parish…my hour is 3 to 4 pm tomorrow I promise to bow kneel down to the Living God tomorrow and pray for you all and all your loved ones too🤗😘❤️

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Thank you for your prayers, Linda!

      Thankfully the adoration chapels in my town are both still open. Also, at 3 of the parishes in my town, the pastors are planning to stand in the parking lots at 3:00 pm daily and recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy through a bullhorn. Anybody who wants to come can sit in their cars, roll down the windows, and pray along. After the Chaplet, the pastors are going from car to car and distributing Holy Communion.

      Today was our first day without Mass, and it was the first day of the Chaplet/Communion services. I knew that our good priests would find a way around our governor’s prohibition of indoor meetings of over 50 people! Thank God for our wonderful priests, and thank God for our bishop who is allowing them to live their ministry and administer the Sacraments in spite of, yet in accordance with, the Governor’s edicts.

      Liked by 9 people

      3. I love that, Mick! ❤

        Father Patrick, my pastor, sang an Irish prayer on Flock Notes, which has been a Godsend for the flock to communicate, and brought me to tears. God is good and the ways to work with the trials has been and continues to be heartening to behold.

        Father Pat's Saint Patrick's Day Message 2020 https://youtu.be/KrlMrQoOtIA

        Liked by 3 people

      5. I just read your comment to my husband, Mick, and I started bawling! First, because you have awesome priests who would do this and second, that I haven’t heard of anything that “daring” here. God bless those priests, and multiply them.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I’m with you, Christopher. Today was my last Holy Communion for who knows how long. Our good bishop has nixed our parking-lot Communion Services, because apparently even outdoor gatherings of over 50 are banned by the Governor’s edict. When I read over her executive order, all I can figure is that our church parking lots must be an “outdoor concert venue”; I can’t figure out how else the Governor gets off saying we can’t meet. Restaurants are required to be closed; but they are allowed to do take-out or window-service. So, our priests were doing window service of Holy Communion. Holy Communion is a meal, right? Our illustrious governor, however, ain’t buyin’ it.

      After Holy Communion today, Christopher, I cried, too; and I’m pretty sure my husband was also teary-eyed. Our 20-year-old daughter is beside herself and is in a full-blown-Eeyore-freefall. The 17-year-old is angry, but resigned. The 6-year-old doesn’t really understand what’s going on, so we’re trying to shelter her from too much stress. I haven’t talked to the 23-year-old since the Communion service, but he’s not going to be happy. The 10-year-old had the best comment, though, when we were discussing the current situation regarding the banning of even the parking-lot communion services. He asked, with an earnest and pleading note in his voice, “Mommy, can’t we just join a Temperance League?” Not sure where that came from, but I must admit that it was kind of funny.

      We love you, too, Christopher. And we WILL get through this. Romans 8:28 is true, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

      Liked by 3 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.