Iran War started. Pray for Peace. And for Victory.

I think the extra time God grants us is such a blessing. It gives us spiritual time to get our act together and getting set for facing God. It is a natural slowing down phase of life. We can't easily hustle and bustle about even if we wanted to. We're just not able. A period when we can naturally turn to contemplation.

I remember so well what a great lesson it was to visit my grandmothers houses as a child and teen. They taught so many things without even speaking. Just by being slowed down and taking things easy.

This lesson is a great aid for prayer. The main reason people do not progress in prayer is that they are not prepared to take the time, to take easy times with God. Contemplation takes time, it takes time to take it easy.

We notice this best if we go to Mass everyday. It is mostly the older people who are there simply because they have the time. This is a great, great lesson.

Another thing I notice about getting older is my dreams. I keep going back to the past and revisiting events and understanding things so much better. I learn to forgive and understand myself do much better, other people too. Including folks who really hated me. It is a coming together. A Heavens eyes view of things. So healing.

T'S Elliot, the poet said a wonderful thing about prayer . He said it is like coming back to where we started and understanding it for the first time. Getting older allows us to do this. Far, far better to do all this than in the life to come.

St Alphonsus Ligouri ,when he was very ill was asked if he had no fear of death? He said he had not because he had been preparing for it the last ten years. This is so true. For we older people death draws near, but not as an enemy but a friend. I am not being morbid about this it is just the discovery that death is as natural as life itself. It really is a friend.

Archbishop Sheen was a great teacher of this as his heart gave out towards the end. He suffered yes. He suffered greatly. But he fit so naturally into things like a hand into a glove.

Old Nun’s Prayer
Lord, you know better than I know myself
that I am growing older and one day will be old.
Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must
say something on every subject
and on every occasion.

Release me from craving to
straighten out everybodys affairs.
Make me thoughtful but not moody;
helpful but not bossy.

With my vast store of wisdom
it seems a pity not to use it all;
but you know, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.
Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details,
give me wings to get to the point.
Seal my lips on my aches and pains,
they are increasing and love of rehearsing them
is becoming sweeter as the years go by.
I dare not ask for grace enough
to enjoy the tales of others pains,
but help me to endure them with patience.

I dare not ask for improved memory,
but for growing humility and a lessening cocksureness
when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others.
Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally
I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet;
I do not want to be a saint, some of them are so hard to live with,
but a sour old person is one of the
crowning works of the devil.

Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places
and talent in unexpected people,
and give me O Lord the grace to tell them so. AMEN.

Anonymous – 17th century.
Found in an old English Church

 

Love that. I need to contemplate it every day.

 

Manufactured energy crisis = Covid 2.0

 

Mario, I was just venting. The United States needs a radical moral transformation somehow or other, however. This can only come from the Catholic tradition.

 

Maybe American men need to marry some latina mamacitas. Learn to love, maybe dance a little bit. It sounds crazy but love exists beyond the intellect.

I feel like there is so much beyond thinking waiting to be discovered.

 

American politics is dominated by a toxic alliance of the most extremely heretical Protestantism and the most extremely supremacist Judaism.

Pope Leo has stood up very well to this toxic alliance and has apparently received great support from many Catholics (though not all, including some who make themselves conspicuous on the internet, which is revelatory in itself) and also many Protestants who do not share the Zionist heresy.

He might be open to criticism for an overly pacifist worldview, but it is also arguable that in a world of instant communication dominated by soundbites and simplistic arguments, this was no time to delve into complicated theology.

St Pope John Paul II didn’t change doctrine on capital punishment, but he had the prudential view that in the modern world states don’t need to impose it. Unfortunately, Bergoglio attempted to change the doctrine, which is impossible. It is prudentially arguable that in the modern world, with the possibilities of diplomacy and compromise that exist, there is very little conceivable possibility available for a war that would fulfil the conditions for a just one, so maybe Pope Leo is playing it the best way.

 

Within a few days, Trump managed to offend one and a half billion Muslims with that post, and then another one and a half billion Christians with his image and portrayal of himself as Jesus, i.e., God.

What’s interesting is that he especially targets Catholic besides having conflicts with two popes during his term, calling them derogatory names, posting an image of himself as the pope, carrying out aggression during the holiest Christian holidays against Iran, etc.

To Shia Muslims, he killed their top religious leader along with 80% of his close family… they are, as I said, the moral side of Islam, deeply connected to justice and morality. The greater the good, the more he rages against it like someone possessed… yn the other hand, he never attacks Bibi or Israel policy of destruction, he even “kissed the wall.”

 

Do you know what’s the worst about that issue? The United States, which is often considered the freest country in the world (something that has been disproven many times), does not include religion in its census. Literally almost all European countries except France do include it, as do Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. You no longer have to be the dominant religion, not even close, if you have political power like, for example Jews or what Protestants have. The real percentage is unknown, and these studies are just guesses, manipulations as part of propaganda. Here, I’ll give just one example...

When you look at the data, aside from the rise of atheism, it’s clear that Protestants account for nearly 85% of the decline in Christianity… Over the span of about 30 years, they have come close to the brink of collapse. Catholicism is experiencing losses too, but more due to the overall population of Canada growing through immigration from non-Christian countries. And all of this is before the events in the Middle East—not to mention that Protestants are mostly an older population who are naturally passing away. If we apply the same pattern to the United States, the situation is probably similar, with even more conversions to Catholicism… The problem is that in the U.S. there are no official figures; strong lobbies can appear far more powerful than they actually are, and it is extremely susceptible to manipulation by Jewish lobby...

Here is same for Australia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Australia

 

https://x.com/rebelliousdogra/status/2043935116695867418

 

Since his first election, it has been clear to me that he is surrounded by 'demons'—something I seem to perceive quite clearly. Perhaps a Catholic priest and exorcist could provide an explanation and offer his services. However, this would require Trump to consent, convert to Catholicism, receive the sacraments, and voluntarily resign as President. It would be a painful path defined by humility and repentance. Naturally, he would also need parallel psychological treatment for his narcissism. Trump himself has said that he does not believe he will go to heaven—statements reminiscent of those made by his close friend Jeffrey Epstein. This leads one to fear the worst. He definitely needs help and should resign for his own salvation. US voters have a duty not to vote for him in the midterms.
If the Republicans want to have any remaining chance, they would have to immediately invoke the 25th Amendment and declare Vice President JD Vance—who, by the way, is quite popular—as his successor. Rubio would then become Vice President. These two would then have to attempt to calm the situation.

However, I am convinced that the 'demons' have Trump so firmly in their grip through his pride and ego that he will cause the greatest possible damage he is capable of. Many people may die in terrible ways. He will attempt to prevent or rig the midterm elections (an area in which he already has experience) or seek to sentence anyone who contradicts him as a traitor under the death penalty. With 'Satan's help,' he will succeed, just as he has successfully avoided being held accountable for convictions involving sexual assault, theft, and much more until now. He will not be able to enforce the blockades at the Strait of Hormuz, and a dangerous confrontation with China is looming.

 

https://x.com/SpoxCHNinUS/status/2043763137359597929

 

It is striking that Trump appears haunted by the fear of divine judgment. His desperate push for policies that appeal to Christians—fighting abortion, gender ideology, or his staged peace efforts—looks like a spiritual transaction. He seems to believe that by championing these causes, he can bypass the need for genuine contrition, as if he could earn a 'Nobel Peace Prize from God' through mere works.

However, Catholic doctrine is clear: without metanoia—a true conversion of heart and authentic repentance—there is no salvation. At times, the mask slips, revealing a deep-seated terror that his political 'achievements' will not suffice. One cannot bargain with the Almighty. By refusing to acknowledge his sins and clinging to his pride, he rejects the very grace he seeks. We all know how difficult the path of repentance and self-improvement is, yet Trump attempts to substitute a transformation of soul with a political agenda. According to the faith, this lack of remorse leads not to heaven, but to spiritual ruin.

 

It is particularly striking and dangerous how many Evangelicals in the U.S. hold the erroneous belief that Trump has a 'blank check' from God. They fall into the trap of thinking that as long as he aligns with Christian ideology on specific issues, he is granted a divine pass for war, corruption, adultery, sexual violence, or even criminal depravity. This is a perverse revival of the 'divine right of kings,' suggesting that political power justifies any sin.

To believe that one can be justified before God through political deals while bypassing personal repentance is a theological travesty. No political achievement can substitute for a transformation of the soul (metanoia). This blind support creates a 'get out of hell free card' for grave sins, which is a pathetic and perilous delusion. True Christianity teaches that we are all accountable, and no amount of worldly power can shield a man from the final judgment if he refuses to show genuine remorse and reform his ways.

 

The influence of his evangelical advisor, Paula White, is particularly devastating. In her bizarre performances, she appears possessed, blowing her breath into the faces of believers and claiming to expel demons—when, in fact, her blasphemous practices likely summon them instead. She fills the Oval Office with a dark aura, poisoning the seat of power with spiritual pride.
Should JD Vance take over as transitional president, his first and most sacred duty must be to immediately remove these dangerous spirits and their proponents from the White House. Simply changing the staff is not enough: the Oval Office must undergo a formal ritual cleansing by a Catholic exorcist. Only through such a sacred rite can the demonic hold be broken, rededicating the room to the service of the common good, justice, and divine truth.

 

The man clearly needs people to pray, fast, and offer sacrifice for him.

 

I've learned from the Covid-19 affair not to allow myself to get sucked into conspiracy analysis. Why? Because 80% of my life decisions revolve around a geographical circumference encircling my home. Here on MOG there is wonderful spiritual support, but...in a true existential crisis, material necessities will require me to literally love my neighbor in a tangible way.

Even so, my discernment also involves the question of the approaching antichrist, for most will be oblivious, even within a parish perspective, and have need to be forewarned.

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

 

We must pray very very much for the President, Vice President and leaders everywhere.

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and looses his own soul.

I don't mind getting lied to all the time as I have gotten used to it

But they are such silly lies they tell now, it makes me feel stupid. I include the Vatican in this

 

This is why the political landscape should not consume so much of our time and energies. It may help us discern how current international developments point to eschatological prophecies, but then I may die in my sleep tonight.

Still, as Padraig encourages, we must pray for our political leaders. At this point, my President and his Administration really needs prayer! Adoration tonight!

1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way.

 

The two posts I made above featuring bellicose statements from China regarding the blockade have been exposed as ‘fake news’, presuming the article featuring the exposure is not itself ‘fake news’.

This latter article says that China will be very careful with its relationship with the US, despite the hostility openly displayed by the present administration.

Hopefully, this Chinese restraint and the apparent increase in Vance’s influence as a consequence of Trump’s meltdowns might leave the way open for some behind-the-scenes negotiations which could lead to some kind of settlement, although the Israelis remain a fly-in-the-ointment. I still think there could be a re-opening of Islamabad.

Prayers continue to be needed.

 

Wouldn't that apply to the governments of almost every country?
I don't know what one could expect from Vance. His very close ties to Thiel (Palantir) cast doubt on his integrity.