That Ship Has Sailed–Time To Turn To God

I’d begun to write this piece some time ago but put it off for various reasons. Then, one day during prayer, what occurred to me was, “That ship has sailed.” What ship—and sailed where–you may be asking? Actually, there are multiple ships that have sailed. Over the last half of a year, people have expressed many concerns about the virus, vaccination, elections, politics, and more. Opportunities to effect changes in these areas, if they ever existed in the first place, no longer remain. It’s time to move along–it’s time to turn to God.

The Virus and Vaccination Ship Has Sailed

Over the last year, we’ve seen much controversy over the virus and government-imposed restrictions related to it. We’ve heard, “follow the science” from those imposing lockdowns, distancing, masking, and the like. Others who also looked at it, following the science, suggested we consider alternatives. However, most media and social media quickly banned the messages of anyone who went against the mainstream newspeak and “science”, labeling those with different views as quacks and hacks. Now we see the mass inoculation phase, where some reports indicate possible mandatory vaccination in the future. Other sources indicate high incidences of negative effects of the vaccines, including death. But the general public hears little about this. Social media has taken on the self-appointed role of arbiter of truth.

So—the virus and vaccination ship has sailed already. Many people have committed to and received their shots already, and they have lived to tell about it so far. Others have not, and likely will not, take the shots. Regardless of the available information, people have made up their minds, one way or the other. This ship has sailed; there is no longer a need to advocate one view or the other.

The Election Ship Has Sailed

The 2020 presidential election generated inquiry and some review. However, thousands of sworn affidavits attesting to individuals’ observations of questionable processes failed to make enough of a difference for the election results to be reviewed more thoroughly. A recent video with evidence pointing to interference in our elections by foreign powers argues that our nation at least ought to look into what happened. Don’t expect coverage of this by the mainstream media and social media. As with disconfirming information regarding the virus, they will ban anything other than the mainline story.

So—the election ship seems already to have sailed as well, although the issue apparently is not totally dead yet in the courts. Yet, when it comes to politics, no amount of information, one way or the other, likely will sway people whose minds are made up on either side. Unfortunately, this probably will continue to be the case, even if someone can prove that a foreign power actually overrode our election results. It’s time to turn it over to God.

The Bishops’ Ship Has Sailed

Speaking of God, many found it interesting that the USCCB congratulated Joseph Biden as president-elect even before the finalization of the vote counts. On November 7, 2020, Archbishop Gomez, President of the USCCB, issued the congratulatory message, stating, “…he [Biden] joins the late President John F. Kennedy as the second United States president to profess the Catholic faith.” Professing the faith with one’s words is not the same as living the faith in one’s actions, though. Archbishop Gomez then, more than two months after the election, issued another letter, calling out the new president for policies that, “…would advance moral evils and threaten human life…in the areas of abortion, contraception, marriage, and gender…” Many of us ask why the USCCB didn’t bring this up before the election. Of course, if you’ve noticed any recent news coverage on this, you know that Cardinal Cupich, Pope Francis’s US consigliere, disagreed with even making such a statement post-election.

And there’s more. A February 5th Wall Street Journal Essay quotes Bishop McElroy of San Diego as saying that abortion, “…is not the pre-eminent issue…” here in the USA. This, even though the USCCB characterizes it as such in a 2019 statement. Things at the USCCB just seem to get curiouser and curiouser, to quote Alice. So–the USCCB ship has sailed. A few faithful bishops continue to stand up for what is right. Yet we hear very little from most of them when their peers take stands like those of Bp. McElroy or Cdl. Cupich. Too many are either supporters of such positions or apparently fear to speak out on them. The USCCB’s ship has sailed. If you don’t like where it’s headed, stop funding it.

Other Ships Have Sailed

Being a professional skeptic by training, I don’t believe that much will change for the good in our country or its culture at this time. Boys will have to be called girls, and girls will have to be called boys in some cases. Failure to call them by what they feel they are will result in persecution. Babies in the womb will continue to account for the greatest number of violent deaths. As well, those infants who make it out of the womb alive can face death on a side table. And the cancellation of history—from ancient to modern times—will continue. Who would have thought even ten years ago that schools would ban The Odyssey, for crying out loud? Add your own observations to this shortlist–these ships have sailed; will they be turned back without divine intervention?

It’s Time To Move On: What Can You Do?

Given where trends appear to be headed, every one of us must get closer to God–now. It is time to turn individually, and collectively as a Church, and as a nation, to God. We must develop a very tight, personal relationship with Jesus, our Lord of Lords and King of Kings—and our Judge. As He told St. Faustina, we are living in the time of His mercy. When He comes to meet us as individuals at our death, or at the last judgment, whichever occurs first, it will be time for justice. Let’s take advantage of the time we have here to get right with God, while His mercy prevails.

It seems we are heading into a time of purification as a church, as a country, and as individuals. Ralph Martin and Peter Herbeck have addressed this in multiple podcasts on their Renewal Ministries site. If you haven’t viewed them, I encourage you to do so. God clearly has allowed all of these events to unfold for a reason. All the wishing, hoping and thinking and praying, to borrow Dusty Springfield’s lyrics, aren’t going to cut it. Well–at least not the wishin’, hopin’, and thinkin’ parts, anyway. Pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17), though, and let go of your anxieties about those ships that have sailed.

Set Sail Spiritually With The Holy Spirit

Hoist up your own mainsail and let the Holy Spirit take you where He wills. Get back into a state of grace if you’re not already in it. Live so as to grow in grace, in love for God, and love for others. Encourage everyone you know to do so as well. Build virtuous habits now; your family and neighbors will depend on you as conditions continue to unfold, and you need to be a light in the darkness for them. Your local parish community can provide a source of support, and it will need your support; we’re all in this together. If you’re not already getting closer to God in mental prayer, there’s no time like now to start. It will help you stay focused on Who really matters, and will help you bring others to Him. We face some difficult challenges, but with God’s grace, we can overcome them. It truly is time to turn to God. 

“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you…” – 1 Peter 5:7