“We must encourage and strengthen one another,” my friend said as we ended our conversation. The discussion itself might have been similar to present-day exchanges between many other Catholics. We’d spent some time catching up personally. Then talk turned to current events, leading to the conclusion that we must continue to encourage and strengthen each other. A spiritual war rages all around us and the enemy grows increasingly belligerent.
Current Events in the Secular Sphere
A vocal minority continues its attempts to redefine our country’s culture. Across the nation, rioters have closed highways and destroyed or defaced public monuments and private property. The media calls these perpetrators “protestors,” but protests in and of themselves wouldn’t involve the destruction of property, assaults, or looting. The people doing this are criminals, and their targets include the Catholic Church, its statues, and facilities. You and I need to stand together, strengthen and encourage each other, to thwart these efforts, and protect our churches and statuaries. As well, the law-abiding majority of Americans–you and I–need to stand up, encourage, and strengthen one another in these times.
But violence and destruction represent only a part of the bigger picture. A Wall Street Journal editorial summarized stories of about a dozen individuals punished for what they’ve said or written recently. These people weren’t making intolerant, bigoted statements. They simply had the temerity to speak up truthfully on current issues. However, the “cancel culture” punishes anyone who takes a reasoned, logical stand against the hysterical rants of those fomenting mayhem. Thus, good people lose their jobs; their employers fall all over themselves to “belong” — to be on the right side of politically correct opinion.
Destabilization of Society
In a previous article, I discussed a video of a former KGB propagandist wherein he described what the communists referred to as ideological subversion. This consists of:
Demoralization – Changing the thinking of an entire generation by exposing them to the new ideology. As a result, that generation, for the most part, believes the proposed new values.
The weakening of the economy, the military, and foreign relations Creating vulnerability by weakening these essentials leads to destabilization of the country.
Creating a crisis Creating a crisis exacerbates the destabilization, bringing with it fear, panic, and anxiety. The government then provides a way out, taking over more control of the economy, and promising to alleviate the source of fear.
Adopting the “new normal” as it’s referred to today The term used when the Soviet Union took over Czechoslovakia was “normalization.” At this stage, people now live under the new authoritarian ideology.
Maintaining an Existing Crisis
Parts of the country opened up a while back after weeks of lockdowns. Meanwhile, COVID testing increases. With more testing, more “confirmed” cases of COVID turn up. The tacit assumption is that the tests provide reliable results. Yet, ongoing questions exist as to overall testing reliability. On top of that, there are reports that one person testing positive multiple times will count as multiple cases of COVID. So, with more positive results from testing, whether accurate or not, now there’s the fear of a second wave of the virus, setting the stage for the restoration of previous, tighter lockdown requirements.
Creating More Crises
With the loosening of initial lockdowns, overall unemployment temporarily improved. Some churches began enjoying limited group gatherings. But, there’s more afoot to keep the crises coming. After the riots there, the Minneapolis City Council voted to dismantle the city’s police department. The New York City police department received a $1 billion haircut. And other cities seem interested in these approaches. Now, citizens can plan on criminals running wild, assaulting, looting, and destroying, while police departments are being dismantled and defunded. A state of crisis is created or exacerbated, even though the actions taken defy common sense. In the face of terrorism and unrest, we need to devote more resources, not less, to maintaining order.
But then that would mitigate the crisis, wouldn’t it? These and other conditions can lead to further destabilization within the country. With more crises come the specter of more government control, and further erosion of civil rights, including those associated with religious liberty. Yet more reason for you and me to encourage and strengthen each other. Even if you think none of this presents a real and imminent danger, consider the threats to your religious liberty over the long run.
Current Events in the Religious Realm
Archbishop Thomas Wenski, USCCB chair for religious liberty, has noted the beginning of religious intolerance toward U.S. Catholics. He cited the case of a student government member at Florida State forced out for his defense of Church teaching. His crime? Pointing out, in a private chat forum, that the values the Black Lives Matter organization espouse oppose Catholic teaching.
Within the Church, leadership has thrown faithful Catholics under the bus. Consider the case of Fr. Dan Moloney, MIT chaplain. His bishop removed him from his position because of outrage over an email to his flock. His crime? Fr. Moloney noted that what happened to the man who died with a policeman’s knee on his neck was wrong. He mentioned that the victim had a questionable past, but even with that, what happened to him was inexcusable. That was all it took. Since then, another bishop has removed a priest for speaking out against the Black Lives Matter organization.
Arsonists have burned churches. Vandals have damaged church statues. The pastor of a church that rioters damaged during “protests” at the nearby state capitol tells of his sense of fear and helplessness that night. The media doesn’t spend much time reporting on these incidents, though. After all, it’s just some Christian property, and we know the hate that Christians sow, right? It truly is time for prayer, fasting, and support and encouragement of each other.
Were These Times Actually Predicted?
Ralph Martin has recorded a series of videos discussing prophecies of Fr. Michael Scanlan, T.O.R. In the videos, Dr. Martin discusses current conditions we see and how they align with Fr. Scanlan’s prophecies. Of course, you always need to prayerfully discern what you see and hear. Yet, the alignment of what’s going on now with predictions from some decades ago is uncanny. And—it all points to matters getting worse, instead of getting better, including:
“…there will be purification and persecution among my people. You will have to stand for what you believe…choose between the world and me…choose what word you will follow and whom you will respect…see yourselves and those whom you have responsibility for in light of this hour of judgment and purification….see them in that way and do for them what will best help them to stand strong and be among My faithful servants. For there will be casualties. It will not be easy, but it is necessary…”
Michael Brown recently summarized messages others allegedly have received, many pointing to similar conclusions. Maybe they all amount only to personal conjecture. Or, perhaps, there could be persecution ahead. If and when it comes, each of us will have to choose between God and the world–there’s no in-between. You and I will need to help others stand strong and be among God’s faithful servants. None of this is new, of course, (Cf. Deut 30:19 and Acts 14:22), but it can seem daunting if we don’t have a deep relationship with Christ.
Something to Consider
Jesus tells us, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. ” (Mt 28:19-20) He’s not just telling the Apostles and their successors this. He’s telling you and me to bring His Word to all. He’s reminding us that He’s here with us–always–no matter what happens. When temporal events take a turn for the worse, we have to remind ourselves and others that Jesus is with us through it all. We need to rely on Him. With Him, in Him, through Him, we can do all that He asks of us. (Cf. Phil 4:13)
Some questions to ponder prayerfully might include, “Have I truly given my life over to God, with abandonment to His Divine Providence? Am I really ‘all in’ for God, or are there parts of my life I haven’t surrendered yet?” Face it. We’re all going to die, to leave this temporal life sooner or later, regardless of any prophecies. Am I ready for the big day? If not, what can I do to get ready, and to help those for whom I have responsibility? Encouraging and strengthening others is not optional. Rather, you and I ought to support each other and these others, reminding everyone of God’s unique, particular love for each of us and how He’s here waiting for us to turn to Him.
Encourage and Strengthen One Another
We face circumstances now that we’ve not seen before in the United States. Consider that, even back in the tumultuous Sixties, people weren’t trying to destroy Catholic churches and statues. The civil and political unrest now are as bad as, if not worse than, they’ve ever been. Those seeking revolutionary change don’t want reason and civilized discussion. They see you and me–we who believe and attempt to live the Truth–as the enemy. If we don’t support their ungodly positions, you and I are intolerant bigots and haters. We and our faith represent the inconvenient Truth they’d rather ignore.
Dr. Martin suggests that we be ready to return to local gatherings in our homes, as the first Christians did, in the event that we see church closures and other religious prohibitions being tightened up in the future. We probably ought to get acquainted with our neighbors and encourage all Christian believers to stick together in any event, with or without any potential crises. (However, if you live in California, beware. You may be breaking the law doing so. Recent legislation there forbids religious gatherings in homes, although “protestors “can do as they wish.)
So what if, in spite of the direction this seems headed in now, all of it blows by with no muss or fuss? What if everything settles back into a benign routine again? What if the predictions or prophecies don’t seem even remotely likely to occur? Isn’t it good to connect more closely with others, with, in, and through Christ anyway? That’s a no-lose proposition.
More Ways to Participate in the Battle
You and I might consider how we can provide moral support and encouragement to others that we all need from time to time. We can check in on others to see how they’re doing, listening compassionately—being a good friend a Christ. Sharing meals together, praying with and for each other, helping each other through the rough spots. But, what if you are in an at-risk group or otherwise physically unable to get together with others? Give them a call, and chat on the phone; perhaps you can send an e-mail–or even better–a handwritten note of correspondence. These seemingly small actions can encourage and support people far more than you might imagine.
As brothers and sisters in Christ, you and I need to encourage and strengthen one another and our clergy. Pray for all our bishops and priests, and support those who bravely take a stand in all of this. Speak up if they seem to be missing in action. We must all stand together.
We must recognize, as well, the role of the divider in all of this. He knows his days are numbered, and is looking for any possible means to pit Christians against one another. Don’t let him do it. You and I must take custody of our souls. Don’t give into shaming others for receiving Communion in the hand or on the tongue, for example. Instead, pray for God’s love for them to be given to you and me. Getting anxious or fearful? That’s most likely coming from the enemy. God gives us His love and peace, not fear (Cf. 1 Jn 4:18); spend some time in prayer with Jesus–give him your burden.
Walk the Talk
Now, more than ever, you and I need to live our lives out boldly according to our beliefs, providing an example for others to follow. People should know we are Catholic Christians by what we say, how we act, and how we treat others. Taking another tip from St. Paul, we should pray without ceasing, demonstrating our joy to others, even in the midst of tribulation.
Souls are at stake. God placed you and me here in this time, at this moment, with missions for each of us that only we can complete. If we don’t carry out our unique missions, no one else will. Pray to God for the discernment of the unique mission He has for you, and for the grace to carry it out, regardless of the time or cost. The Lord is with us. He will guide you and me through whatever comes our way.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh 1:9)
