Wait on the Lord

Posted on by charliej373

By Charlie Johnston

I had a piece I was going to put up last Saturday. I decided against it because everyone was so busy chasing after every passing rabbit I thought it would make more sense to wait until they had worn themselves down a little. I’m not going to put up the serious, more lengthy piece until tomorrow. But a couple of thoughts are in order…

First, the good news. Last week I gave it a 60-40 shot that Donald Trump will ultimately prevail in this battle. I have upped my assessment to 70-30…precisely because his team is not chasing after every rabbit that goes by in panicked hope of trying to salvage a lost cause, but is working solid evidence of systemic fraud with hard evidence and penetrating statistical analysis. 

People are deeply shaken – including those delusional chumps who are celebrating a Potemkin victory for Biden. Many Christians are deeply shaken because of their certainty that God would ensure Trump’s re-election. Early on election day, I published a piece, which included the following two paragraphs that I hope you will ponder deeply:

“I also have heard more than a few serious Christians suggest that Donald Trump will win this election because God will ensure it. Generally, I don’t think God intervenes in elections, preferring to let them reveal what is in the hearts of the people. On the rare occasions He does, it is by moving on hearts, not by fixing the results. My belief that Trump will prevail in big fashion tonight is purely a political assessment, borne of analytical matrixes that I am not as confident of as I once was. The spiritual perspective gives me great pause – for I think it quite likely that, from that standpoint, that God would harden hearts enough to let the atheist left take control. Think about it: throughout salvation history, when man has moved far enough from God that He lets them reap the consequences of their infidelity, He usually does not intervene on their behalf until a solid core of the people turn back to Him with their whole hearts. Do you think we are there yet? Or even close to there? Would it better serve God’s purpose in humbling us to give us a fighting chance to right this ship – or to let us run it into the ground before He intervenes for us? A very common thing is to think that what we think would be the best outcome is also how God would prefer it be done. But God’s ways are not our ways. What our duty is, is to stay faithful and trust in His providence whatever happens...

…I am divided this time, in a way I have never before been, over my spiritual analysis of the present moment and my political analysis of the same. What I know is that God does NOT manifest His will by doing what I think is best. He simply demands that I trust Him and persist in acknowledging Him, taking the next right step, and being a sign of hope to those around me regardless of how closely my opinion of what is best matches up with His plan – and it pleases Him especially to see whether I will persist in those things when His plan turns out to be diametrically opposite of what I think is best.“

For a very long time, I have emphasized that God’s ways are not our ways, that we must be very deliberate in these times. We are being disabused of our soothing delusions. When we say we trust in God, what we usually mean is that we are certain we know God’s mind and He will arrange things the way we think best. Nope. When we say someone is holy, we usually mean that he is “like me” – with our crabbed understanding of what holy actually is. Different people have different charisms and I have always encouraged people to discern and live their charism well, but to know that the charism God assigns to each of us is as distinct, intimate and personal as our face and our name. I tell you, if whatever you do is designed to convince you that you are the Divine Teacher’s pet and use your efforts to sneer at those who are not like you, when the judgment comes the Lord will tell you to depart from Him, for He never knew you. And doing a thousand more Novenas won’t help. Only changing your heart will help.

Most people so lack discernment between authentic and obviously inauthentic prophecy that they are confused by those that are obviously heretical and contrary to Scripture. Those that do have discernment mostly come from the “run, Spot, run” school of prophetic interpretation and so improperly interpret authentic prophecy.

We are vain and foolish, always trying to prove our supremacy – and are obsessed with showing that our many comical pratfalls were not pratfalls at all. Since we do not seem to learn from this, is it any wonder that God is forcing the issue for us all? Only fools and knaves lose confidence in God – though many have good reason for a loss of confidence right now. But the confidence you have lost is the false confidence in yourself – in your certainty that you know the mind of God and that He could not possibly come up with a plan that is more sophisticated and effective than the one you have devised and wrongly attributed to Him. God is pruning us all – and those who will accept it have the opportunity to grow wise.

Understand that you are going to be wrong in your assessment in many more things before we reach the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart. God does not need your prowess or might, just your fidelity and humble willingness to get up again in His service after every stumble.

Be diligent, be faithful, take the initiative, knowing that you will err, but calling on and trusting God to mold even your errors into fruit for His service when you humbly acknowledge Him and your own feet of clay.

When I was a little boy, I often pondered the long car trips we occasionally took on vacation or to friend’s houses that were distant from us. I could not fathom how Dad could possibly know all the turns and roads to get us to the exact right place – and in all kinds of weather, too. But he did every time. So when I got into the car, I did not know how he did it, but I trusted that he did…and that trust was well justified.

This is a time for sober contemplation. Not a one of us knows the route God has chosen to get us to the Triumph as well as we think we do. But do not let your disappointment when the route God chooses is not the same as the one you thought He would lead you to doubt Him. He knows what He is doing.

We have a lot of work before us. Be deliberate, not jumping after every passing rumor, knowing that truth will stand the test of examination. So test all things. Tomorrow’s piece will be about current events – but tested in the template I have here described.

Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage and He will strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord.

Donate to CORAC

273 thoughts on “Wait on the Lord”

  2. Very confirming Charlie. Thank you.

    A simple truth has been etched into my heart in the last week (even if it was on my mind to some extent even before the election) is: “No one [human] knows the whole story.” While at first this observation was simply helping me to sift through internet news coverage of Catholic and political news, I have found in this last week that it has been good to express it to the people in my preaching, given all the election news, the recent McCarrick report news, and the ongoing COVID-19 saga. Today especially, with the content of the first reading from Paul to Titus on our awaiting of Jesus Christ to appear in glory, coupled with the words of the Collect for Leo the Great and the reference to Jesus’ promise that the gates of hell shall not prevail over the Church, I felt I was going right from TNRS playbook in simply trying to encourage people that “only God knows the whole story, as He is sovereign.” Thanks again Charlie for your own constancy in passing on encouragement.

    Liked by 23 people

    2. The most beautiful things come to me in the mornings: this morning, for no apparent reason, I began humming “The king of glory comes, The nation rejoices. Open the gates before him, Lift up your voices…” 🙂

      Liked by 7 people

  5. Most of the people who are shaken by current events, are shaken because they layed all bets on what they perceived as the easier path of Trump winning, and didn’t prepare themselves mentally & spiritually for the possibility that Biden could win.

    70% for Trump 30% for Biden from here on in… I like the way you’re thinking Charlie, always leave room for disappointment, so plan B can be pursued. It aint over yet, events seem to be happening quickly, people are mobilizing in ways they have before to oppose this Marxist fraud, 70/30 odds look good to me, I honestly don’t know, something else entirely could happen entirely like civil war or the country splits apart…

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Al,
      You mean like Israel split apart into the northern and southern kingdoms? But the both fell to apostasy.

      Lord, may our hearts humbly, repentantly turn to You, trust in You, adore You, serve You – and we be saved.

      Liked by 4 people

  6. Charlie really great piece here!!! Gonna sleep with this one under my pillow!!! 😴 Lol!!! What you say here is soooo true…

    “What I know is that God does NOT manifest His will by doing what I think is best. He simply demands that I trust Him and persist in acknowledging Him, taking the next right step, and being a sign of hope to those around me regardless of how closely my opinion of what is best matches up with His plan – and it pleases Him especially to see whether I will persist in those things when His plan turns out to be diametrically opposite of what I think is best.« “ CJ

    I personally have been thinking a lot about what you know about God since you have been instructed for a very long time. I know I for sure am like in the class of a new born babe!!! I get myself so worked up worrying about the outcome of things it makes me sick!!! I guess that’s part of the pruning process??? I wish there were a magic pill 💊 to take to surrender to total and radical trust in God!!! Hahahahaha

    But anyways…this made a lot of sense to me and I’m sure it will help all of us squirrels 🐿

    Thanks again Charlie!!!

    God bless!!!

    Liked by 5 people

  7. I think the attempt to steal the election with this extended time of battle holds an opportunity for us all. Without the high of a resounding victory for Trump, we are being provided a time of self-check: do we really and truly trust God and His Plan?

    I am certainly grateful for the good Trump has accomplished. So impressed at his dedication and drive. Hopeful and praying that he’ll beat all odds and continue as our President, and also grateful for the reminder to focus on God, His Plan and whatever He’s asking each of us to do.

    Liked by 17 people

    1. Hi Beckita, it’s definitely a opportune time to wake people up to light being shone on communist & globalist activities in this election, it’s perhaps what was needed to wake up the rest of society that didn’t want to pick a side, but chose to continue daydreaming.

      From what I’ve been reading, Biden seeks to remove Trump as a unfit President before his deeds are brought to the public light, hopefully Trump will see this coming and strike first.

      Liked by 10 people

    2. And remember the Scripture passage while Moses held up his arms the Isrealites had the better of the battle and when he rested, they lost ground. This is an example to us.
      If this be a decisive battle, we must continue to send up our prays to allow God to do His most effective will through us.
      Jesus, I Trust in You.

      Liked by 14 people

    3. I totally agree, Beckita. Just pointed out to hubby that we have to look at the many, many prayers storming Heaven now because we still have hope (vs outright win). The prayers have been pouring out since election day, before and after. God does not always hand us gifts without some effort on our part! And sometimes He does 🙂

      Liked by 6 people

      1. He surely does both, Annie. Everything good flows from God and our days are filled with His abundance of blessings. In a great mystery, He looks to us, sometimes actually waits for us, to move before He makes some of HIS major moves. It’s why CORAC is so important. When we become part of the movement, we’re acting in ways that give our fiat to the renewal of a Culture of Life. God deserves our loving service. Psalm 116 comes to mind. Through CORAC, we make a loving return to the Lord for all His goodness in our lives.

        Psalm 116
        King James Version
        1 I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

        2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

        3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.

        4 Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

        5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

        6 The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

        7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.

        8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

        9 I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

        10 I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:

        11 I said in my haste, All men are liars.

        12 What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?

        13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.

        14 I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.

        15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

        16 O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

        17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.

        18 I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.

        19 In the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord.

        Liked by 4 people

  8. You may be aware that I have always been pleased to be agreeing with Charlie. I was pleased by the optimism shared here, but have no convictions about the election outcome. Just the other night I watched the brutality , and was remined of the tortures committed by the Japanese military in Mongolia, China, the Philippines. Burma… I watched the scenes of the Nazi concentration camps where the innocent were slaughtered in the millions, even tortured by “medical” experiments, as was also done by the Japanese military. God’s ways are not known to us.

    I do have faith in the future, but that good future just might not be here in our lifetimes.

    Liked by 10 people

    1. I was watching Daniel O’Connor and he said something a kin to: if I survive this ordeal, Great! If I don’t, then our faith teaches us we are headed to Heaven! How is this second place?!

      I felt that in my heart, too. I like that. I’m struggling to maintain that perspective.

      Liked by 2 people

  9. Charlie,
    I do believe, as your posts have repeated taught, that God’s timing or actions are, more often than not, that which we think should happen or would have happened. Spiritually, it really makes sense. God does not execute any action individually or collectively unless it is at a point which is the most perfect time to do so. God, does not say to Himself, darn I wish I would have waited before I did that or allowed an action to take place. When Our Lord decides it is the most efficacious time to do something to save souls, then that is the time. I think that type of thought helped me to ease back my frustrations with things not moving as fast, or in the direction as I would like them to go. Who am I to consult God or his timetable?

    We must simply trust in God, and pray for a strong faith to do so.

    Liked by 21 people

    2. Charlie, that doesn’t look like a Jill to me. 😀

      Oneilljpo, I have found great solace from exactly this way of looking at things as I care for my mother. She will go Home soon, but I don’t and can’t know when the best time for that will be. I could be impatient to get on with my life, but I do know that my mother will go Home at the best possible time, not only for her but also for me and my siblings. That has helped me a great deal in maintaining my equilibrium during this time of caring for her.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. SteveBC: In my experience, that is a beautiful and best way of looking at things. Over the years, I’ve been astonished by the goodness of God in His timing for bringing His beloved ones Home.

        Liked by 3 people

      4. I really have to hand credit to this community, you folks and Charlie for letting me learn this over the past several years. If I had not been involved here, I don’t think I would be so trusting. So I want to give credit and thanks to all of you. You’ve been central to this calming of my heart through this experience.

        Liked by 1 person

  10. “When I was a little boy, I often pondered the long car trips we occasionally took on vacation or to friend’s houses that were distant from us. I could not fathom how Dad could possibly know all the turns and roads to get us to the exact right place – and in all kinds of weather, too. But he did every time.”

    By coincidence, yesterday I got lost … while driving home from the dentist, on a street I’ve been driving for over twenty years, know well, and is a mere few minutes from where I live.

    So I pulled into a side street to turn around …

    … and as I was in the act of turning around, a song came on the radio and I heard these words:

    “I’m praying God come
    And turn this thing around
    God, turn it around
    God, turn it around
    God, turn it around … ”

    Immediately when I got home, found the song by Jon Reddick on YouTube (you can guess the name of the song):

    At the end of this video, a white cross flashes across the screen, appearing against a black background … I have this white cross on a black background, and it looks super similar to what appears in the video … It’s a humble homemade bookmark made of black and white felt given to me by a very dear friend whom I lost years ago to heart disease and pray for every day. It looks to me like she’s keeping me in her prayers as well.

    May God turn our nation around, so that we come back home to Him.

    Liked by 16 people

  11. Thank you Charlie.

    Really needed a pep talk. I always get worked up and so upset when I see injustice.

    It has been hard finally realising family, friends and fellow parishioners who support/voted for Biden and his platform. Especially when one loves so many things about each of them and for them to make such a choice. Ouch! I honestly didn’t know their political views. Then again I’m so conditioned not to talk politics!

    Thanks again!

    Liked by 12 people

    1. I understand, littleone! Same situation in my family. Being the lone Trump supporter has been a trial in patience. Staying in Grace is an uphill battle for me. My tongue gets loose more often than not when responding to some snide remark about Trump. Keeps me in the confession line!

      Liked by 8 people

    2. Littleone,

      I know what you’re saying about people that you think you know and which you don’t know their political views.With my large catholic family, primarily us older siblings and friends,we all know pretty much know where each other stands, especially when it comes to the abortion issue.

      Even with many attempts to get others to understand the gravity of the evil of abortion and the political aspect, some still stick to their views and try to justify it what the most disgusting thought processes.

      I believe abortion is a moral issue regarding the sanctity of life taught by our church as the number one and foremost consideration rather than a purely political issue.

      If a person believes it is morally acceptable to kill a baby in the womb, then they are morally corrupt. Politics is the mechanism used to propagate that immoral View into a nation’s law as supported by the citizens when they vote to make to have an abortion anytime they want up to the time of birth.The law of the land . It also forces all taxpayers to pay for this evil with their tax dollars.

      The morality of something is the Genesis of what is right or wrong. I think a lot of people hide behind National or local laws so they don’t have to address what would be difficult moral decisions.

      Liked by 7 people

    3. Hehehehe littleoneinpa I like the part in here when Charlie expresses we were all chasing rabbits 🐇 🐰 so he just decided to wait it out a little bit and we all were pretty short of breath from all the running 🏃‍♀️ running 🏃 running!!! Soooooo hilarious 😂

      Liked by 1 person

    4. I agree LittleOne. The other day my husband and I were having a conversation about the election with our daughter. She went to her room, and all of a sudden my phone buzzed. She sent me a text that said, “Thank you so much for raising me republican.” I responded, “We raised you a Christian. Republican is just a side effect, lol.” I got a “Hahaha” back.

      Liked by 3 people

    2. I was in Scranton yesterday. Giant Trump signs everywhere. Working class neighborhoods. This video is disturbing and not in tune with Charlie’s message. I have to rely on God. I’m glad He’s in charge.

      Liked by 2 people

      2. I am suggesting that you go to U tube and find Doug Barry Father Rippenger and Fr. Heilman
        Fighting against the Satanic Mob. Sounds like a good plan. Praying and fasting, and Putting on out combat boots like Joan of Arc.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Theresa, I just watched part of it this morning when I got home from work. It is so good and Fr. Rippenger explains the spiritual battle going on so clearly. I took out a notebook to take notes. Looking forward to watching the rest of it and learning about his recommendation for prayers for this battle we are in. I really like their videos.

          Liked by 2 people

    3. It is so sad knowing that people fall into their web of deceit. Let’s continue to pray to Mary our Mother for Biden, Harris and all those who’s minds, hearts and souls have been twisted by darkness, that they find their way to the Light of Christ.

      Liked by 2 people

  13. Great post, Charlie!
    When you state that we are being disabused of our soothing delusions, I have to agree. I can’t tell you how often I have cautioned people to stop trying to paddle their canoe and then handed them the ‘kayak navigating the whitewater’ image. That metaphor of yours is getting some real mileage. Thank you, yet again! 😊

    Liked by 11 people

  14. Has anyone seen the app Pray.com? (this is one of the benefits of watching Fox)

    It’s Darth Vader reading the bible, LOL. I think maybe this could be a great Christmas gift. His voice is so soothing.

    Liked by 8 people

  15. Charlie, this is the word we all needed for today. I think it is one of your best posts. Thank you for continuing to take the right next step and for accompanying us in this journey to the Triumph.

    Liked by 11 people

  17. I was visiting with a person, and they said that the Dems, with the voting fraud ,had a year or maybe even 4 years to plan for this, and for them to make the fraud so obvious, that they hoped that Trump proceeded very carefully on the most obvious cases of fraud, because the dems might have made it obvious on purpose to set a trap for president Trump… in an attempt to make him look foolish…???
    Just a thought… That made me ponder on the subject.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Kevinmal, I don’t think it went like that. What I hear is that the Dems were going to flip just enough votes to win, but Trump’s total votes were so large that they had to stop counting and figure out what else they needed to do to manufacture enough more votes. So they stuffed ballot boxes, tossed out possibly several million (??) Trump votes, and so on. Trump went out on the campaign trail to *energize* people to go vote because he knew that if he got enough votes, he would swamp the Dems’ normal everyday methods of voter fraud and the net result is that they would expose themselves.

      Liked by 3 people

  18. Charlie, your post has has reminded me of something that I thought about earlier today. It’s about trust and “taking the next right step” and I mean that in a literal sense. A number of years ago, I was attempting to climb Mt. Kriecvac in Medugorje. I had decided to climb barefoot to try to add some sacrifice to my offering. Not far up the mountain, I looked at a very long stretch of the rocky path ahead of me. I was discouraged and I lowered my head and told the Lord that I was going to have to put my footwear back on to finish climbing to the cross. At that point He spoke to me. What I heard (or felt) Him say to me was, “One step at a time and do not look to the journey ahead.” I decided to do as He said. It was still a very long hard climb but I was at long last, able to present my offering at the foot of the cross. It’s hard to explain how I felt but there was in my heart a very true peace that lasted for the remainder of the day. I knew that it was God’s peace. It was however, disrupted through the night by our common enemy. I asked our pilgrim priest to bless my room and the next night I slept very well. Two days later friends invited me to climb the mountain again. I climbed with my footwear on but before I started my ascent, I picked up a fist sized rock to carry to the cross. I wanted to re-offer my offering. At the cross I offered to Jesus everything I had carried two days earlier. I laid it snuggly in with a lot of other rocks and asked the Lord to please accept it again. The peace returned. There is a point to all of this. I have come to understand that this “word” was to be a life lesson for me. I have often been able to offer it to people to encourage them. Actually your TNRS word encourages me often.
    It has been a long hard summer and fall for me. I decided in late spring, because of covid and the economy, to burn wood again this winter. It has been a long exhausting journey but it was clear to me that that was the path I was to take and I am almost finished. Who knows, maybe will be a benefit to others as well. It is only a step but it is one that was obvious to me. I am certain that there will be many moments of uncertainty in the future but I have been attempting over and over again to surrender my will to Jesus and I have been asking him to grant me His. I get discouraged by looking to the journey ahead. He told me “One step at a time.”
    Your sharing of the TNRS has been instrumental in my life! I truly have had to go one step at a time. I have had to go to confession many times but I am determined to stay the course.
    Saying thank you just doesn’t cut it Charlie but what else can I say!
    Thank you and may God bless and protect you Charlie.

    Michael Joyce

    Liked by 16 people

      2. Thank you Charlie. I feel that your words have set me back on the right path as I have been pretty discouraged that the Democratic platform has not influenced enough people to open their eyes to the evil that is being proclaimed in our beautiful country by the left. Indeed God hears our prayers and it’s not always obvious to us that we need to trust totally in Him. May God’s graces comfort us in these times of confrontation and wondering what the heck is going on.

        Liked by 8 people

  19. Thank you for the calming words Charlie. Oh what a week it has been. Sure, some of the rabbit holes were good for exercising the brain and working on my discernment skills. Others were just a waste of time and energy (i.e. watching too much MSM like Fox News to see how the “trump”et of God was going to win). It was probably Friday before I was at peace and was willing to leave it in God’s hands.
    That also meant shutting off some of the noise, to listen for the whispering breeze and trusting that the situation we’re going through is all as part of His plan. We just need to accept the challenges if they are indeed left before us, regardless of the methods used for their “victory” and pick up our cross and stumble forward.
    I’d much prefer my version where Trump and his preferred senate/house members win through the legal system, proving fraudulent ballots and voting. The piece I think I finally realized on Sunday is that the “other side” really aren’t my enemies. We are all God’s children and we all must move forward to make this world a better place by “taking the next right step”.

    Liked by 10 people

  20. Charlie, Thank you for your insights. I have followed you for several years, yet your message of “take the next right step and be a sign of hope” never really resonated with me until recently. Makes perfect sense now in light of what we are seeing unfold spiritually and temporally around us. Also, I remember that 4 years ago during the Trump/Clinton campaign, you said that you believed that the transfer of power was going to be unusual in some respect. I think that you were spot on, but premature by 4 years. What you described then is happening now. God Bless and keep ’em coming!

    Liked by 9 people

  22. With everything that’s been happening in the past 5 years, it makes me wonder what has got the globalists & communists so worked up that they absolutely have to steal this 2020 election rather than just lay low and try again in 4 years from now. If they believed the devil was running out of time, then they would have to believe God is real, and why would anyone risk backing a looser for a eternity of pain & suffering? Something else must be driving their desperation, that they would risk getting caught.

    Liked by 9 people

    1. You assume, Al, that reason enters into it. There is no reason involved, only appetite – like a drug addict. They literally can’t help themselves…and the tragedy is that, just like with drugs, no matter how much power they get it will never be enough. To give that type of personality the office of dog catcher is too much while, paradoxically, electing one Senator is not enough. When you are driven by appetite – for power, lust or money, you can never be happy – either in want or in plenty. But with God, you are happy both in want and in plenty.

      Liked by 17 people

      1. That’s as good s explanation as any. There’s got to be a starting point for questions, and I think your answer qualifies as one of the more logically realistic answers.

        Have a good night Charlie. 🙂

        Liked by 4 people

      4. Not just the left’s leadership, but the followers/ underlings too seem to display this addictive behaviours, and demonic activity is associated with addictions, so the left shows the desperation of forces of Hell without being aware of existence of demonic activity. This makes perfect sense when extended to the followers/underlings, as they’re supremely ignorant, and behave the same. This also makes the followers/underlings, potentially dangerous until we’re rescued.

        Liked by 4 people

      5. …”When you are driven by appetite – for power, lust or money, you can never be happy – either in want or in plenty. But with God, you are happy both in want and in plenty.”
        Power, lust, money … and hate, someone today on the radio said they hate others because they hate themselves.

        Liked by 4 people

        1. Excellent insight. Much of the rage on the left is simply the projection of the hate they feel for themselves. Many are too far gone, but many, if they can credibly see the love of Christ, will quit hating themselves and cease hating others,

          Liked by 5 people

          1. May the Love of Christ overwhelm these people and may our prayers be a lifeline prompting a moment of clarity and desire to reach for Christ’s already extended Hand, ready to pull them from the quicksand of the culture of death.

            Liked by 6 people

          3. It was Fr. Pacwa in his homily today who talked about hate. He has some other gems in there too. All of the oppressive governments were based on abstract ideals. He says ideals sound wonderful, but it forgets to look at real people, how idealism is destructive.
            People have such an urge due to original sin to try to take over, and the antidote.
            He talks about ancient Rome, corruption, French revolution, defunging of police, about todays reading of Paul to Titus. Paul is in jail because of being falsely accused.
            There really are some profound insights there. I hope Desmond sees it, (especially because Fr is a Jesuit) 🙂

            Liked by 3 people

            1. Desmond knows Fr. Mitch – and knows that he is what a Jesuit is supposed to be – and was, until the larger contingent of their order decided to replace intellectual rigor with ideological pretensions. The Jesuits used to be the natural heirs of Thomas Aquinas in their thinking. Now they are the natural heirs of the Nuns on the Bus. Fr. Mitch is a throwback Jesuit – and Desmond well knows this.

              Liked by 3 people

            2. First Station of the Cross: Pontius Pilate proclaimed Jesus innocent, then washes his hands & condemns Jesus to death.

              I believe we now call this political correctness and mob rule.

              Second Station of the Cross: Jesus picks up his cross.

              {BREAK}

              I have meditated on the Stations of the Cross for a few years now. I am called to attention to the above and on the Fourth Station: Jesus meets His Mother on the way of the Cross.

              Meditate on their initial prayer and conversation. I like the Mel Gibsons’s movie Passion of the Christ where Mother Mary says “Help my Son”.

              Then appears Simon, who reluctantly helps Jesus carry His cross. Veronica’s compassion wiping Jesus’ face. The contrast of actions… Male and Female. One has to be prodded another jumps in.

              Of late, my meditative prayer of discernment is the First and Second Station.

              Liked by 3 people

    2. It’s the mysterium Iniquitatis, and it’s been going on since ancient human history and before that.

      Free will is not difficult to understand, yet we really have no clue as to why each person apparently chooses poorly. God alone knows as regards each.

      Think of the One and Only who is perfectly capable of creating each and bestowing such a gift. How much that gift truly bespeaks His strength!

      Yeah, this is definitely an away game for us. Doesn’t change what we bring to the field.

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Wow, MP… your last paragraph just hit my like a Mack truck. You’re absolutely right.

        I’m gonna be chewing on those two sentences for a while. Thanks for giving me something to contemplate.

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  23. I have been shaken by so much as of late. My health took a bad turn this from July through winter and had to leave work after much abuse and stress, my dear grandson died senselessly the day before Easter (and I was praying that night), Francis continues to cause shock, and then we had all Covid shutdowns, the “peaceful” riots, and now the socialists are celebrating that they have won the election. Even if Trump proves that there was enough fraud to overturn the close election results, things are still grim. They will say he stole the election, even with proof in front of their eyes the left will go berserk…..Though Trump has miraculously put together some deals that represent real progress for cooperation and peace in the M.E. , Kamala says they will fund the Palestinians (and that will mean war, no doubt) if and when they get into office. My head and my heart are spinning. No, I cannot fathom God’s ways…… I can tell you that I am very weary of all of this. And it seems that all has just begun.

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    1. StJudith, I’m so sorry for all that you’ve been going through. I often think of your dear little Gabriel. May he intercede for you, and for all of us, that we may find the peace and strength that we need in these times.

      Yes, things look grim. But things looked grim when the Israelites were backed up to the Red Sea and had the most powerful army in the world barreling down on them. Things looked grim when Haman was on the eve of exterminating of all the Jews, and Esther had to decide whether to risk execution to try to save her people. And things looked grim when Jesus was dying the ignominious death reserved for criminals, having apparently failed in his mission.

      Things are not what they seem. As Charlie continually tells us, God has a plan. Trust in the Lord; and hang in there, dear sister.

      You have been and will continue to be in my prayers.

      Liked by 14 people

      1. Thank you, Mick. My personal future is also a huge conundrum. Every day I think about the probability of the need to go back to work for the second half the year. I took a sabbatical due to health problems. If I do not go back to work for one year, I will lose my right to teach in this state (even part time),and I will not get the medicine for my MS. Mavenclad requires 2 doses. I had one in Feb and one in March of 2020…..They will only approve it to anyone has not retired. (ie, Medicare does not cover it nor any of the MS drugs). And, for the record, they only approve Mavenclad for people who MS has taken a turn for the worse. So I need something strong like this.. It costs about $100,000 for two doses, though I am sure the insurance company negotiated a better price…..Stress is the worst thing for me. Right now the teachers are in the Twlight Zone. The school requires teaches to do all sorts of things for the students, but there are few requirements for the students in my district. And there is not a good way to test them. The will simply use google to search for answer, so tests are really meaningless unless they can be observed. Central Administration is not giving the students time limits except for the end of the marking period or progress reports Then most of the student hand in all extremely badly done work at once. The teacher is inundated with a mess right when he/she is under a time limit to submit grades an failures (which are through the roof)….. In the meantime the teachers are told to keep contacting parents about not getting work. This consists of massive phone calls e emails…… One of my teacher friends is developing IBS due to the stress, and my other friend is having nightmare regularly. In fact I am beginning to have nightmares……I had nasty students in the fall and the supervisor they assigned me was just as bad. The kids who wanted to learn told me that I was the best teacher they had ever had and I got lots of farewell notes in which this one class truly hated to see me leave. These notes were from black, hispanic and white students…….As far as the difficult classes, once a student complains about a teacher (and they complained about me because I tried to get them to work instead of just talk or throw things in the classroom…..and the threw things at me when I turned my back), then that teacher is under scrutiny by an administrator. It does not matter that the kid has been a problem for just about every teacher they have had in the school. We must satisfy the angry parents. Sometimes the part will go to a school board member. The one is really under a microscope…..The thing is: I am a very, very good teacher. When my kids go to the next level, they know what they are doing. I hear this from senior teachers who a so pleased to get students who are ready to keep advancing. I no longer give homework because 1/2 to 2/3 just use google to get the answers……This will be a lost year in my district. I have no idea what is going on in other district, but the Administration has made some bad calls. Last spring they just passed everyone who had logged onto a computer…..I believe that the students are expecting the same conclusion this year. And I fully believe that it will happen. The school does not want students who go and complain to their parents that everything is too hard and that they do not understand….. I could say more,but I fear I have given away my identity already. Although I do not expect many teachers from my district to read Charlie Johnston………The stress of the election and seeing that this country seems to want socialism has also affected me with a mini flare up……I have to go. My friend, Linda, is very ill and I must get her to a doctor and probably the hospital ….for the 3rd time a month and a half. She is really not doing well at all. Thanks for your prayers, Mick……If my son and daughter_in_law(who are still grieving their inexplicable and shocking loss due to hospital error) did not need me, I would not care at all about much of anythiing, and I would be happy to just move onto the the next step in the next world. I am older, but he has his life ahead of him…..Too many people have needed me for a long time. I have provided help in every way possible. But, truly, I am very weary……I am going to force myself to get off this board for a while. At least a few days. Thanks for your prayers. I appreciate your kind posts, Mick.

        Liked by 11 people

        1. If is funny. Tests for students learning at home are meaningless unless, students can be observed doing the tests. And mail-in votes are meaningless unless the counting can be observed by both Ds and the Rs in order to prevent fraud. It just struck me that the parallels are just amazing. If one does not insist upon reliable standards, then the whole thing just falls apart…..in both cases.

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          2. I join with others in saying, God bless you, Judith.

            Thank you for your insights on how the plandemic is affecting students, families, and teachers. ❤ Where I live, we have different circumstances: rural, small (2 rooms, K-8) ~ and have been able to resume classes in September on a "hybrid" schedule. We are both grateful and deeply sympathetic.

            This is a very painful ordeal and, I dare say, it has prompted an awakening for America and other countries. I will keep you in my heart-prayers.

            Sister Bear

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          4. After reading your message, I had the image in mind of Jesus agonizing in the garden then stumbling along with the cross. Jesus was doing the perfect Will of His Father, so therefore, each fall Jesus took, was a “perfect fall”.
            When we surrender to the Divine Will, ALL our stumbling and falling, is “perfect”as we approach our Father and, likewise endears us to the Father. As for me, I am built up in my spirit when I see you so valiantly ride your craft through these white waters. You are being cheered on, we all are being cheered on by a heavenly cloud of witnesses.

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        2. God bless you, Judith. Prayers for you as you balance best choices for you while tending to those around you. I so appreciate your presence and comments here and I also support you in voice and prayer with taking time away when there is a need to do so. May Holy Spirit overshadow you with grace upon grace upon grace for all your needs.

          Liked by 9 people

        7. StJudithWantToBe You have endured so much. I think you are already on the pathway to saint. God bless your for your witness of courage, fortitude and faith. Just like Jesus we fall, and just like Jesus we c-a-n get back up again. Don’t forget to lean on Him who is our strength as others lean on you. You are in my prayers.

          Liked by 1 person

    2. I think God called the equivalent of a screen play and expects us to run it as designed.

      I’ll be honest, I’m tired and beat up too. Also, I’m not fond of screen plays at all, but they do served a purpose. When you’ve got an aggressive defense that likes to rush the passer… oh no, here comes the screen play from the booth. It’s actually designed to invite the defense to rush the quarterback because they’re already in that mode. That leaves fewer defensemen behind the rushers to stuff the play. Most times it seems like it ends in a loss, but it usually spreads the defense out a bit for the next play. Screen plays don’t always work for yardage, but when they do, it’s for a big gain that can bust a game wide open.

      On three. Break.

      Liked by 6 people

          1. Do you or your hubby have any good analogies for the current situation in Ann Arbor? Sheesh. I suffered through one of those painful droughts too (betwixt Lou Holtz’s exit and a Brian Kelly rebuild) and it’s no fun. Ahh, these things take time. BTW, just heard word that Paul Hornung died today… and I was just thinking about him.

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            1. There are no words, MP. Well, except maybe “dumpster fire” (which, I suppose, is a metaphor rather than an analogy).

              I hadn’t heard about Paul Hornung. May he rest in peace.

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      2. MP your analogy reminded me of when I was a teen and my brothers and cousins would play football on Thanksgiving. Great memories! Keeping you in prayer for courage and strength.

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          1. I liked tossing around the football with my brothers, too, Sister Bear, but my brothers were real hefty football players so when they played, I just watched! lol (I was better at being a fan anyway).

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            1. Sr. Bear and Juls, I also loved playing football with my brothers. But they were much older and bigger than my sister and me (my sister and I were in very early grade school, and my brothers were maybe 13 and 14). So the boys had to play on their knees while my sister and I got to stand up. It was good training for me, though, so that when I played football on the school playground with the boys my age, I was able to hold my own. 🙂

              Liked by 2 people

                1. I do, Juls; they’re awesome. They taught me so many important things: how to throw and catch, how to bust my tail in sports, and that GI Joes and Tonkas are more fun than Barbies and Corvettes. They looked out for me. Still do. 🙂

                  Liked by 2 people

    3. St Judith, my heart goes out to you. A while back, I called out to Jesus; “Lord you know what things will be like during these times. What do you expect of us?” I felt a reply in my heart; “Comfort my people.”
      One thing has been front and center in my thoughts about all that is happening; Our Blessed Mother. She is the one who will crush the head of the enemy. I turn to Her often every day. I really believe that She takes everything that we offer Her into Jesus Sacred Heart. The Most Holy Spirit is working “hand in hand ” with Her. If I’m not mistaken, She has said in Medugorje that She can do nothing without us. She needs our participation. I truly find it comforting to turn to Her with my entire life experience. I want to
      soothe Her Heart. I spend a
      lot of time having long
      conversations with Her. I once recommended to a friend of mine who was struggling with prayer, to simply begin talking to Our Lady. About a month later, she told me that She came to her in a dream to comfort her.
      She is our Mother and we need Her. I will be lifting you up to Her. I really think She can help you to stay focused on Her Son while satan tries to seduce us into hopelessness. Press in with all of your heart.
      God bless you.
      Michael
      😊❤

      Liked by 4 people

          1. 😊
            I tried that Beckita but it didn’t seem to work for me. I appreciate your response.
            Enjoy your day.

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            1. Sometimes for me, Michael, there is difficulty getting the “like” or “unlike” to stick and when I persist in clicking, it sometimes takes as many as six-seven clicks to work. No worries is the “Like” remains. 🙂

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  24. I recall Charlie writing (I’m paraphrasing here) that God is using this storm to bring the darkness into the light. To reveal what has been hidden. I think of this often as we await the certified results of this election.

    Sure, I would have preferred that Trump would have landsided easily into victory. But, obviously, God has a different plan. There had to be more revealing of the corruption and outright evil. I would have never guessed that the treason of our Republic would be so pervasive and widespread through the use of US intelligence computer algorithms or van loads of false ballots dumped at vote-counting places or that the leftist media would be full-blown communist propaganda. (The kind we were always told about growing up during the Cold War with the USSR.)

    I would never had believed that this nation’s inalienable rights would be on the edge of destruction, the same rights that our soldiers defended in wars and sacrificed their lives to protect. More evil had to be revealed.

    And I agree with Charlie, even though Trump might win this battle of the election coup, the leftist communists will not go quietly away. More destruction will follow because obviously they live by their own rules, i.e. no rules, no morality. They will not accept what any court of law says or what the Constitution says because they don’t believe in the rule of law in the first place. Or, they would have never even attempted this coup in the first place. They only want what they want no matter how they get it.

    I told my husband tonight that unless the morality of our world changes and turns back to God and His Commandments, things will keep getting worse. Having the courts say that Trump wins is not going the right the ship enough unless people come back to a moral compass. It’s just like Charlie said about the legalistic argument of using Canon law to “prove” that Pope Francis is not the real pope. The legal argument may be right, but in reality and practicality, it doesn’t solve the problem. As long as people’s hearts and morality don’t change, we will continue to go downhill or stay in the storm until they do change. That’s my opinion for what it’s worth.

    Liked by 9 people

    1. All good points, Texas. So agree that God is after a change of heart in His people. From Pure Love, He’s allowing us to feel our absolute need for Him and His end game has ever been reclaiming as many souls as will make a return to Him. The beauty and joy of the Storm will be found in assisting those who are returning to the Lord. May the Harvest be bountiful!

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      2. I wonder what the rescue from Our Lady looks like Beckita??? Do you know??? Hope you and Father are feeling 100% again!!! Dimwit – I mean Dewine is coming on air tonight in Ohio for suspected shutdown again due to high China virus surge! 😩 I pray it ain’t so!!!

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        2. We can recall that the Rescue is synonymous with the full Triumph of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart, Linda. I’m one who believes that the Triumph and Rescue are underway. Everyone who makes a return to Our Lady’s Son is part of the Triumph. Now, while so many pivotal promises from God are fulfilled in a process, there is often a discrete event in which the process is brought to fulfillment on earth.

          God is so wonderfully mysterious. He came to us on a silent night, hidden from the masses, revealing Himself first to the ordinary, simple ones. Yet, when he died at 3pm on Good Friday, incredible things took place:

          “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.”

          What will it actually be like when it is made manifest to everyone that Our Lady is the Rescue Queen of this Storm? Only God fully knows but I imagine it will be a sight to behold, to ponder and treasure for all eternity.

          Thanks for your well wishing, Linda. Father is 100% and I need just a few more days to catch up with him there. 😉🎉😘

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          1. Thank you Beckita that is beautiful what you wrote back to me and my hope is that all fellow squirrels 🐿 read this and get a very nice peaceful feeling which I just had in reading it!🤗🙏❤️🐿😘📿

            Glad Father is 100%!!! Will continue to pray you on to good health as well🥰

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        3. Linda, once again you made me crack up with “Dimwit”! We call ours (CA) “Gov. Nuisance”!
          And yes, as of Sat. midnight we are shut down again!!!!!!!!! Mass outside only! The poor business people are going berserk; they are all losing their businesses. God bless them and all of us.

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          1. I’m glad I could make you laugh Annie W!!!😂😂😂 perfect name for your Governer too!!! They just shut down one of our parishes again!!! Gosh these people there are so insane (people at alter) they have been wearing DOUBLE masks!!! A 95 one then a decorative one over it!!! Even when reading the gospel! Really??? (But not my Fr Francis and hes not shut down…yet…unless they make him!) I dunno… I think it’s all a little overdone personally. I mean in Europe they all wore masks, shut down and are still spiking!!! My son Tommy says hardly anyone dies anymore or is intubated because the treatment is so much better now! And let’s face it… there are just normal colds, flues etc…even a vaccine won’t really work as these viruses mutate from season to season! Heck, 3 yrs ago, I caught norovirus (which originated in Norwalk Ohio ironically 😂) and got sick for 2 days! My husband, Michael got it too and darn near died from it!!! He was hospitalized, kidneys were at 50% and almost had to go on dialysis! They wanted to put this rubber hose down his nose and he said, “Heck No!!! If it’s my time to go it’s my time to go, you’re not gonna do that to me!” Boy how they AND I fought them on it but he insisted he had his mind and his rights. They said he would probably not make it until morning but guess what…he did make it! I think they released him the next day if my memory is correct! As Joe Biden says, hahahahaha…”Look! Here’s the deal…” I think we are all just a little too afraid of dieing! Why? I get it I get it, we should all take prudent steps in prevention but this is all just rediculous!!! No dancing at weddings??? No thanksgiving or Christmas??? Come on man!!! Let’s just get back to normal and let be what will be as it always was anyways! Colds and viruses have been around since the beginning of time. We all will continue to get sick and live or get sick and die! I think the world needs to except it and be free of fear! Rant done!😂

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            1. I couldn’t agree with you more, Linda. Ha! Now the “pink hoodie sisters” have become the “ranting sisters”? Hahaha! 🙂

              By the way, our cute little “Animal” member of our Zoom group (you know who I mean) just ordered a pink CORAC hoodie; so I guess that makes her an official member of the sisterhood. 🙂

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      3. If we were created to “love and serve God in this world and to be with Him in the next” it seems that, yes-we are off track a trifle!
        Since our mortal lives are but an instant in our eternal destinies, God has no problem making us miserable for that trifle of time if need be to get us into the ecstasy of eternity.
        Some of us run towards sin, other stumble over it. Still others don’t sin much but suffer for it nontheless.
        It’s our lot to payback, in some ways, our wretchedness even if it is through expiration for another and not our own. Curiously, even a small sin is an infinite offense to God. He thus needed the God-man, Jesus to redeem us because only a God could heal an offended God!
        Now we, as the body of Christ, work the God-like mysteries through Him with Him and in Him.
        Lucky us!
        Nothing else in creation does this. It’s why Lucifer was so jealouse.
        Therefore, our condition and position was raised forever to adopted sons and daughters of God.
        Lucky us again!
        But through the jealousy of the devil we must wrestle “not against flesh and blood” but from our former perfection into the fallen nature of concupicence.
        Even if Lucifer had not fallen we would have been tested. For just as the angels were tested to prove their worth to serve, we would have also been subjected to a proofing if satan had not tempted Adam and Eve and many of us would have (and still will) say:
        “I will not serve”.

        Liked by 3 people

      1. Every time the squirrel was cornered and surrounded he was thinking “Ha! Now I have ’em right where I want ’em. I can see all three and that simplifies things. Suckers!”

        Liked by 2 people

        1. I probably should’ve give a hat tip to the military guy who said something similar and whose name escapes me at the moment.
          Paging Charlie Johnston. Please pick up the white courtesy phone in the lobby.

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          1. Ha, Christopher! I’m not Charlie, but I don’t think anybody minds that you didn’t attribute the statement. I think it has pretty much entered American lexicon at this point anyway. (By the way, the “original” was said by Chesty Puller, if I remember correctly. Somebody please correct me if I’m wrong.) 🙂

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    3. Texas, I feel convicted in my heart that CT also has widespread voter fraud, but I mean Who Really Cares?! This has pressed on my heart as I pray Michelle Bachmann’s prayer, I feel compelled to add my state.

      It’s so sad to think of the ramifications of the above. This realization has lead me to a better understanding that what God allows to break hearts open is a blessing!

      Liked by 3 people

  25. I guess chasing rabbits it’s kind of human trait, though not too spiritual. But even apostles did so (like arguing who is the greatest or who would sit on the right and left side of Jesus in heaven) even though they had Jesus nearby…
    Chasing rabbits could be a coping skill too…
    I think I am trying to excuse myself.

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  26. One thing that looms big in this period of trial is that in addition to TRUST, we are called to patience. When people thank me for being patient, my usual response is that I could not see any better path. We know that God will do things in His own way and in own time and the best path we can choose is to cooperate with patience and with the positive of avoiding complacency and do our part with diligence and prayer always looking for the right next step. Thank you Charlie for your guidance and encouraging words. jas

    Liked by 12 people

  27. I just want to get (to jump, to skip) to the end of the story… The middle part is getting too long, stressful and suspenseful…

    LOL

    I also wonder if the no three Christmases from a prophecy a few years ago is meant for now as Christmas is disrupted and many won’t be able to meet in family and there won’t be “normal” Christmas, nor does it seem for a couple more years….

    We’ve already ‘bended’ the rules and celebrated my father-in-law’s birthday as a family.

    What crazy times.

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  28. Over this past weekend I wore myself out walking with my Great Dane on the country road I live on praying the rosary..taking him home and getting on my bike and beginning another rosary along with the Divine Mercy Chaplet. I love being in the quiet praying and talking and listening for GOD to speak to my heart. My emotions ran from such hope to my face on the floor as I talked to a couple of close friends who also have deep faith and “see” what is going on thru eyes of faith..not the world..We absolutely love President Trump and truly believe GOD raised him to bring America back to GOD and in so many ways he has.To see what the evil left has done is almost incomprehensible and for awhile I thought evil might win..last night my 3 girlfriends were together on the phone and we all felt a peace come over us as one said “ the HOLY SPIRIT””..I am with you Charlie I truly believe Trump will triumph over this evil that has tried to consume our great country and begin his role as The Trumpinator. In my heart I know this man has literally given up everything and he knows GOD is using him..As America goes so goes the world..He fights for the innocent babies ,he ALWAYS invokes GOD at his rallies and I have seen so many people laying hands on him and praying over him and AB Vigano sees this along with so many others. SanSan I watched the video of the Minister from India ..The man spoke so beautifully and truthful of our President and his words of seeing JESUS saying “I love this man”with tears running down his face brought me to tears.I have to say my husband and I waited every week to hear our priest say the simple statement..”you must vote for life” and never did. Nothing of the sort was ever spoken..I love Father Altman’s video “ You cannot be Catholic and vote Democrat” and I a convert longed to hear these words. These are the voices like John TheBaptist crying from the wilderness and I am so thankful to hear them. As I have watched for so many years the evil growing in our great country and the world my heart of trust and innocence of my youth became a heart of at times overwhelming sadness as I watched so many turning away from GOD and so lost to this world. To all here ..I know nothing of what is comming yet a great feeling is rising within me it is turning ..Our country is rising in FAITH and TRUTH and this great spiritual battle is going to be won..I know it is going to be epic the evil will not go down easily but it will go down and This Great Country founded upon GOD will hopefully be a beacon of light once again to the world and all will see Our great love and gratitude to our LORD . He is my life I have always trusted him ..he brought me to my knees thru cancer..7 miscarriages after an abortion when I was very young but he gave me 2 of the most beautiful sons ..a gift I never deserved.. He is always with us and I continue to ask for forgiveness when my fear of the communists taking over took my very breath away.May we learn everything we can from this horror show we have witnessed,may we rise another day to Live for our LORD and NEVER be complacent AGAIN 🙏🏻 Please don’t think I believe they will go quietly away and all will be well.. the battle comming is frightening but the head of the snake is comming off and America will once again be a nation of the people by the people and for the people led by a man who has given his all to serve GOD…. Now let me share something which is truly chilling..my friend came in yesterday to have her hair done..and she had just come from Kroger’s a grocery store chain for those whom may not be familiar with it.They are in numerous states.While shopping the loudspeaker came on announcing loudly “ welcome Kroger shoppers this is YOUR FIRST LADY JILL Biden ..when you get to the register please donate to..my girlfriend didnt catch what was said something about kids.. she was in shock!! I am calling now to Kroger’s headquarters..another friend is putting this out on Facebook as I don’t do social media.Psy Ops ..how frightening! As I said I know nothing this is only what my heart is telling me.. I pray it is true

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    1. Robin I really really love everything you wrote!!! It heartened me and I’m sorry for all you’ve been through! What great love, trust and joy you exhume! God bless you🤗🙏❤️😘📿🐿

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    2. <B <B <B

      The video SanSan posted also moved me to tears. Did you see part 2? I'm not great at words and will ditto what Linda said! God Bless you & yours! Keep squirrelin' on!

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  29. That’s a lot of wisdom in one commentary.
    I think I know God, and make decisions and ponder Him based on my little understanding. We all have to do that. But our God is a mysterious God, we can know Him, but not grasp Him. I can’t really “make sense” of God. Bad things happen all the time. Right now I’m grateful for all the prayer warriors and those who really live their lives for God. Maybe God will spare us for the sake of those good people. My tiny rationale is that we have reason to be hopeful in terms of this election.
    God is God of the Impossible, when we put our faith in Him. I know people who are not usually holy rollers who are putting their faith in God and petitioning Him for help during this trying time. This is a very hopeful sign. Slavering, evil people on the one hand, praying Christians on the other. I have always felt God gave us Donald Trump for a reason, and surely, He sustains him. He is not the Messiah, as those who mock us complain is how we see him, but he that is sustained by God is a man among men for that reason.

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  30. I would like to go back to my comment on Kroger’s.. after my friend talked to the store manager a few minutes ago he stated it was First Lady Fran Devine.. I called my friend she said she was rushing around heard First Lady and could have heard the name wrong.. I stand corrected.I will continue to shop there!

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  31. Thank you for that gentle slap in the face. I needed that reminder that God knows the best action to take and timing is everything.
    I will keep thanking Him for the mercy and grace that He gives me and my family on a daily basis. When things don’t go the way I would like, my go to prayer-
    O God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
    Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time. Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace. Taking, as he did, the sinful world as it is, not as I would have it. Trusting that he will make all things right if I surrender to His will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever.

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  32. In his latest newsletter, Dan Lynch, Apostolate Jesus King of All Nations, posted that he and mystic “Secretary” of the JK Devotion, both felt prompted to share that the faithful should be praying to the Guardian Angel of the United States for positive resolution of current political crisis.

    Excerpt: “As we were praying together for this intention to St. Michael the Archangel, our dear Lord brought to my mind the Guardian Angel of the United States. That each nation has a particular angel to protect and guide it was confirmed at Fatima when the angel declared to the children that he was the Guardian Angel of Portugal.
    I was given the light that we all should faithfully invoke, daily, the Guardian Angel of the United States, especially during this particular crisis. ”

    Full text with prayercard..
    https://mailchi.mp/jkmi/all-souls-day-1066260?e=b71129d9b9

    Liked by 8 people

    2. That is echoed by Bud McFarlane, founder of the Mary Foundation, an excellent resource. One of his priests said the same, pray to the Guardian Angel of the U.S., especially when we say the Chaplet of Mercy with that angel. Sounds good to me!

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  33. It’s Remembrance Day in Canada for the veterans who served (and some gave their lives) in the World Wars. Our veterans fought in those wars to stop dictators & the tyranny of their regimes, peace without God isn’t peace at all, but merely surrender & slavery to the conquerors.

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    1. looks like my trying to post a picture of Elmer Fudd picture didn’t work. Oh well . picture Elmer in your mind holding a gun on Bugs who has his finger in Elmer’s riffle barrel.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Linda, you can try again. The ending of your photo line was good; it also need the https at the beginning. If you look in the MENU bar, scroll down to “Answers to Techie Questions” and you’ll find a document on how to post a picture. I’d be happy to replace your original try with a workable link. 😊

        Liked by 2 people

  35. Please join me in giving thanks to God for the life of Fr. John Henry Hampsch. How I love this holy man who served, widely and lovingly, the people of God. When I first came back from Betania with an abundance of treasure, I turned to him for assistance in sorting through it all and he tended to my own interior to assist in making sense of its meaning and in choosing wise ways to steward it. It delights me so to know this faithful one who enters the Cloud of Witnesses is open and ready to intercede for us as we make our way through this Storm. Never stop praying for us, Fr. John!

    He died on November 9, 2020 in Rancho Dominguez, USA at the age of 94.

    Liked by 9 people

      1. SeanSullivan, that is the anniv we buried my beloved son. I often wonder what it all means, the coincidences are something, something. However they are waaayy beyond my poor understanding. How wonderful I can be small and He can be All. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    4. Hi Beckita, Thank you for the information about Fr. Hampsch passing. He is such a wonderful priest. I remember the Healing of Families conferences he did back in the 80s or 90s. A long time ago. He will be a great intercessor for God’s people.

      Liked by 5 people

    6. Oh,wow! TY for posting this! May Perpetual light shine upon him and may he rest in peace!

      SD many years ago posted a whole bunch about his work. Through this I was able to have him offer a mass for the healing of my family tree. He was instrumental in my understanding of anger along with Harriet Lerner’s The Dance of Anger.

      It’s just surreal how many people I love and know are now onto eternity. It really makes me long for Heaven, in the best way. Surely, everything IS passing away! TYG!

      Liked by 2 people

  36. Greetings everyone:

    Please see forwarded information below and follow directions. I am immediately following through on this myself.
    May God save our democratic republic!

    POTUS has been cut off from Twitter and Facebook feeds. He has asked us to send him “snail mail” letters.
    The letter is to DEMAND A FULL AUDIT of all 50 states.
    Send this to:

    President Donald J Trump; WHITE HOUSE;
    1600 Pennsylvania Ave Washington DC 20500

    He will use this as evidence to the Supreme Court.
    He is asking all of us to send him HARD COPY letters as evidence we, the People, are demanding an audit.
    Please do this right away . Have every registered voter in your household send a separate letter.

    We need to swarm the White House mail room.
    Thank you.

    The above info was reported on Newsmax this evening:
    President Trump has been censored by Twitter, FB, etc, electronic mail.
    Thank you in advance for forwarding this to friends and family.
    Yes the PO must deliver the mail

    **Pass this on to ALL Trump supporters ***

    Liked by 14 people

    4. SanSan, Can you provide the Newsmax link that reported this? I copied and pasted your post on a Trump site, and somebody asked this question because he could not find any evidence about this on Newsmax.

      Like

  37. People probably choose poorly due to ignorance, and those who rule our government (especially liberals) like to generate and cause more ignorance to fester, as it’s a useful tool to turn the population in rebellion against God.

    I hope we’re not living in the worst case scenario.

    Liked by 5 people

  38. Oh, boy. Just had the fact that Joe Biden is a Catholic thrown at me.

    No, not all Catholics think like Joe Biden.

    It’s only going to go down hill from here.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. For the record, please correct me if I am wrong, but Biden officially supporting right to abortion is by default excommunicated by the Catholic Church according to Canon 751 + Canon 1364 §1.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You are right, Pawel, but a rule that is conspicuously unenforced is scarcely a rule at all. I suppose that is a terribly inconvenient canon, for it means a lot of Bishops are excommunicant, as well.

        Liked by 4 people

      2. Right, Pawel. And that is precisely why Archbishop Gomez’s and the USCCB’s “Congrats, Biden, on being elected the second Catholic President” is such a disgusting, treacherous gut-punch to those of us who take our faith seriously.

        I used to have a lot of respect for Archbishop Gomez. It diminished somewhat when he started sounding all Lefty on illegal immigration. After this kowtowing to the zeitgeist, though, I’m so over him. Charlie, please tell me that you think he’ll have an epiphany like the one that you hope Archbishop Gregory (grrrr!) will have.

        OK… rant off. (sheepish grin)

        Liked by 3 people

        1. Well, Mick, I have a lot of regard and affection for Abp. Gomez, but I am furious with him right now. Right now, I can count on two hands the U.S. Bishops I respect – so I am reduced to contemplating which Bishops I think are salvageable and which are genuine enemies of the faith. A terrible, terrible reckoning is coming. God is NOT mocked. It comes down to making an assessment of who is merely blundering and who is actively trying to dethrone Christ. I think that is important: to not make someone who is merely weak and blundering into an enemy, even as you oppose them with vigor and resolution.

          Liked by 6 people

          1. This Bishop has the courage of his convictions…

            Liked by 6 people

          4. Sobering truth, Charlie: “A terrible, terrible reckoning is coming. God is NOT mocked.” And how Our Lady has urged the faithful to pray for the clergy in these times.

            Thanks, too, for the counsel in your closing lines.

            Liked by 3 people

          5. I have never criticized Abp. Gomez but I have long been baffled why he tolerates the annual LA Education Conference which features pro-LGBT workshops and speakers including a number of priests. I know he is dealing with an entrenched system, but he has been in LA for nine years now. May God bless this good man with wisdom and courage.

            Liked by 2 people

            1. Frank, that conference (just north of me) is atrocious. I used to cringe when I would hear of parish people, or anyone, being sent there. And we wonder why the Church is in trouble. Of course, it’s been around for a long time, including under Mahony.

              As I recall, Father Z calls it “three days of darkness”!

              Liked by 3 people

          6. “to not make someone who is merely weak and blundering into an enemy, even as you oppose them with vigor and resolution”.

            That’s it exactly, I think. Paul opposed Peter “to his face”, but he didn’t become his enemy. And Lord save us, but Peter’s blunder was pretty small compared to that of the ones who “speak in support of” (in the good Bishop’s words) those who put in place laws sanctioning what is effectively child-murder.

            Liked by 2 people

  39. from todays readings:

    Responsorial Psalm
    23:1b-3a, 3bc-4, 5, 6

    R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
    The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
    In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
    Beside restful waters he leads me;
    he refreshes my soul.
    R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
    He guides me in right paths
    for his name’s sake.
    Even though I walk in the dark valley
    I fear no evil; for you are at my side
    With your rod and your staff
    that give me courage.
    R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
    You spread the table before me
    in the sight of my foes;
    You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
    R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
    Only goodness and kindness follow me
    all the days of my life;
    And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
    for years to come.
    R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

    Alleluia
    1 Thes 5:18

    R. Alleluia, alleluia.
    In all circumstances, give thanks,
    for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.
    Gospel
    Lk 17:11-19

    As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem,
    he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.
    As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him.
    They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying,
    “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”
    And when he saw them, he said,
    “Go show yourselves to the priests.”
    As they were going they were cleansed.
    And one of them, realizing he had been healed,
    returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;
    and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.
    He was a Samaritan.
    Jesus said in reply,
    “Ten were cleansed, were they not?
    Where are the other nine?
    Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”
    Then he said to him, “Stand up and go;
    your faith has saved you.”
    https://bible.usccb.org/

    Liked by 4 people

  40. From Pam Bondi

    Ok in a nutshell. This is going to the Supreme Court. Where they will rule that the election is invalid due to fraud or mistakes on a country wide scale. It will go one of two ways, either they will rule that all the unconstitutional

    mail in ballots will be removed and the states ordered to recount without them or they will simply rule the election is invalid due to mass voter fraud and at that point it will be sent to the congress and senate for a vote. This is where it gets good. The house/congress votes on who the President will be. It has nothing to do with what party that has power. Every State gets one vote and 30 States are held by Republicans.and 19 by Democrats. They have to vote down party lines, they have no choice due to the 12th Amendment of the Constitution and the Senate votes for the Vice President where a similar event will take place. This is The law. This is why the Democrats are so mad at Nancy Pelosi. This will all happen in January. The only way President Trump won’t be President is if he concedes the election and that will never happen So stop watching the fake news and don’t let your heart be troubled and live your life knowing this will all work out. President Trump will remain President.

    Another fun fact, they called Gore the President Elect for 30 days in 2000 until the courts ruled against him and declared Bush the winner. And two people that were part of that decision was none other than new Supreme Court Justices, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. Why do you think the Democrats tried so hard to keep them from being confirmed.

    YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY

    Liked by 5 people

    2. “YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY”
      plus
      “PRPRPRPRPRPRPRPRPRPRPR”
      equals
      “PRAYPRAYPRAYPRAYPRAYPRAY”

      President Ronald Reagan said, “Trust but verify.”

      I say, “Yay and pray.” 🙂

      Liked by 4 people

  41. JESUS = GOOD NEWS! … 😉

    https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/we-need-to-look-this-evil-in-the-eye—clergy-abuse-survivors-respond-to-mccarrick-report-44786

    https://www.ncregister.com/blog/9-ways

    https://www.catholicleague.org/family-guy-assaults-catholics-and-jews/

    https://townhall.com/columnists/juliorivera/2020/11/11/amid-election-fiasco-military-and-veterans-face-uncertain-future-on-veterans-day-n2579864

    https://thefederalist.com/2020/11/11/calls-for-unity-from-those-who-demonize-opponents-as-white-supremacists-are-deeply-unserious/

    https://onenewsnow.com/perspectives/ben-shapiro/2020/11/11/when-unity-means-just-shut-up

    https://pjmedia.com/culture/victoria-taft/2020/11/11/with-stupefying-cluelessness-media-criticize-conservative-tech-refugees-for-fleeing-censorship-n1137880

    https://jonathanturley.org/2020/11/10/shredding-the-fabric-of-our-democracy-biden-aide-signals-push-for-greater-censorship-on-the-internet/

    https://thefederalist.com/2020/11/10/12-ways-for-trump-to-bomb-the-battlefield-while-biden-claims-the-presidency/

    USPS Whistleblower Richard Hopkins Gives New Interview Detailing Coercion Tactics Used By Fed Agents -Project Veritas video

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE!

    Liked by 6 people

  42. Please chime in. How many of you are attending “family” thanksgivings with these guidelines? Asking for a friend 😉

    “Hi Everyone! As we get closer to our ‘Thankful Event’ we wanted to share some updates. In an effort to not make the news as the ‘super spreader family’ we have planned for the following precautions: We will have plenty of outdoor seating for socially distanced happy hour with individual snack plates and beverages to choose from. The meal will be outside under a tent. Please dress warm. We will have heaters and blankets. Our table will be a square so everyone will sit next to their ‘pod’ with plenty of room in between and about 8’ away from those across the table. We will have a seating chart prepared. We will give everyone their own serving utensils for the buffet. If you want to bring your own that is fine, but we do have plenty. This may be a mask on mask off event. We will ask that when going through the food line that masks are worn. Or when mingling with those outside of your pod. Desserts will be ‘mini’ sized for easy serving. We will have many individual items for everyone.”

    Liked by 3 people

    2. Make mine the “super spreader” one. I intend to show my children and grandchildren how much I love them, NOT fear them.
      My advice to those attending that “Thankful Event” is to be sure to say Grace.

      Liked by 6 people

    1. Susan, your piece on SOG Luisa Piccarretta’s 24 hrs with Jesus has been very comforting to me. I got 2 copies, and hope to give one to my elderly Mom, who is sadly in a nsg home, aaah, I have no control, here.

      I’d also like to TY about the piece you wrote on offering up masking as a sacrifice to Jesus. I initially had such anger over it (honestly still do, the whole thing is repulsive). and still do believe if we can fight it we must, but your insight is the only one which makes sense.

      Liked by 3 people

  44. Fr. Ripperger was on Us Grace Force podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKrLr4jW0Eo
    It is a long video about spiritual warfare and well worth the time to listen to the whole of it. In the interest of time, I chose two parts that are of special interest.
    19:40-27:20 Fr. Ripperger compares the Trump/election/deep state situation to that of St. Joan of Arc.
    38:20-55:57 The absolute necessity of prayer: be consistent and persistent. We have to pray our way out of this. He then provides two prayers that lay people can say that provide a certain safety in them if done properly and he explains how to do that. One of them is the most efficacious prayer for crushing the diabolical through consecration of President Trump and the U.S. to Our Lady.
    Those prayers can also be found here: https://usgraceforce.com/fr-chad-ripperger-teaches-how-we-are-to-fight-back-against-the-satanic-mob/
    Our Lady said that Russia would spread its errors and countries would disappear. Letting that happen to ours is not an option.

    Liked by 6 people

  45. I woke up this morning laughing. The Kontrolada Media has failed to report the biggest resurrection event in the history of mankind!!!!
    In Wayne county alone 9,700 rose from the dead to mark and mail ballots. I chuckled as I thought of someone born in 1800 trying to figure out how that new fandangled ballpoint pen with a button could work without a bottle of ink to dip it into. And figure out our complex postal system. For him, the idea of postage stamps was still a new idea. Who told him who to vote for? I knew the voters should be men because women didn’t get the vote till 1919.
    And this mass resurrection is authenticated by official Government digital records available to any enterprising reporter willing to research rumors. …,..sometimes I wonder what my brain is up to while I am not paying any attention to it.
    And on a more useful note, we just got word that we will receive two more refrigerated 18-wheelers full of approximately 29,000 pounds of surplus fresh produce, meat and dairy prepackaged in 30# boxes…unlimited gallons of milk are on the side. I tell folks it is a free gift from Uncle Trump. It will be our fifth and sixth monthly food giveaways this year.

    Liked by 13 people

    2. Kati, you are so funny, I love how you look at things. I am so happy for you and for all those people you have been serving food to throughout this long year. I will keep you and all those you help in prayer.

      Liked by 2 people

    3. One of the many ridiculous things being reported, people can’t stay silent about stuff like this, they need to be shouting on rooftops what’s going on and bring into the light what is being hidden. All routes lead to the same destination, to do nothing is to choose the worst case scenario route, so choose wisely.

      Liked by 4 people

  46. Nov. 3 I was at a polling place with my Trump/Pence yard sign and a guy took pictures saying this will be a close race to me. Someone said he was a Democrat up to no good with taking pictures. We know they always lie and cheat. GOD, please stay by President Trump and send “THE BLESSED MOTHER” to help save our U.S.A. from this coup.

    Liked by 7 people

    1. OK, when we would do our weekly Trump parades some guy would show up and take pics too, no one knew who he was and they eventually ran him off, what is with the picture taking? Are they planning on doing facial recognition on Trump supporters?😎😎

      Liked by 2 people

  47. I have a knack for posting stuff in the waning hours of a comment thread so expect this near the top of the next one. This deserves maximum distribution. Fr. Heilman & Doug interview Fr. Ripperger to get his take on what we’re seeing these days. Father R. makes some fascinating comparisons between his experiences in formal sessions and the way the Marxists are currently operating. This video is 1:15 but it went by too quickly for me. Plenty of Joan of Arc discussion too. I know she’s big here 🙂 and some great guidance on what we should be and can be doing now. Right NOW more than ever.

    Liked by 5 people

  48. Beckita, if you could pick only one of Anne’s Vol’s, as a gift for an elderly person in a nursing home, which would you recommend?

    Liked by 3 people

    1. It depends on the needs of your elderly dear one, Littlelight. I would go to the Free Library at DFOT and scan the table of contents in the Volumes. That said, I think Volume 7, Greetings from Heaven, is so uplifting as the saints impart encouragement. 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

  50. LittleLight, Anne a Lay Apostle also has locutions addressing depression, stress, and anxiety “The 3 stooges” which were helpful to me. Anything at all to NOT conform our minds to this age.

    Liked by 4 people

Comments are closed.

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.