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

Basically, I agree with you.

Political news becomes and remains a secondary concern when one’s loved ones or oneself are struggling with pressing problems. That’s when you finally realise it; I experienced that a few years ago. And this despite the fact that an interest in global political events has been a hobby of mine since my teenage years.
If it comes at the expense of our prayer life, hinders our growth in faith and trust, or becomes too emotionally charged, it is certainly better to keep away from the daily flood of information. How one deals with this, on the other hand, also depends on individual personality and life circumstances. For me, engaging with the political situation has once again become a hobby at the moment. Living alone, the forum is a place where I can express my thoughts and read those of others.
Especially as almost everyone I meet in real life is interested in nothing – neither God nor the world, just a nice, carefree life.
If the forum is to be less political, that’s fine too, of course.

Even if no one needs suggestions for prayers, I’d still like to share two of my morning prayers, which are quick to say.

The first is a slightly adapted version of Fr. Ripperger’s prayer for the 2024 election :

Mary Immaculate, living tabernacle of the Divinity, where the eternal Wisdom lies hidden to be adored and served by angels and men, Queen of heaven and of earth, beneath whose sway are subject all things that are lower than God, Patroness of Europe (or the United States of America) , sorrowful and mindful of our own sinfulness and the sins of our nation, we come to Thee, our refuge and hope.

Knowing that our country cannot be saved by our own works and mindful of how much our nation has departed from the ways of Thy Son, we humbly ask that Thou wouldst turn Thine eyes upon our country to bring about its conversion.
We consecrate to Thee our politicians, so that what is spiritually and morally best for the citizens of our country may be accomplished, and that all of those who were elected will govern according to the spiritual and moral principles which will bring our nation into conformity with the teachings of Thy Son. Give grace to the citizens of this land so that they will be given leaders according to the Sacred Heart of Thy Son, that His glory may be made manifest, lest we be given the leaders we deserve. Trusting in the providential care of God the Father and Thy maternal care, we have perfect confidence that Thou wilst take care of us and will not leave us forsaken.

O Mary Immaculate, pray for us. Amen.

The second-

Almighty, everlasting God, King of the nations. We Christians do love our people, and we know that they can prosper only if Thou dost bless them and they serve Thee in faithfulness.
Many and manifold dangers do now threaten our people and fatherland from every side. Wherefore we beseech Thee with full trust: defend our homeland and all who dwell therein, and preserve us from war and from famine.
Teach us reverence and obedience toward Thee and Thy commandments. Grant unto the rulers justice, gentleness, and wisdom, that they may restrain sin and vice, and promote peace and prosperity in the land.
Fill the hearts of all citizens with a sense of justice and order, with active love and a will to forgive, that all discord and enmity may be brought to nought.

Lord Jesus Christ, King and Prince of Peace, let peace reign in Thy kingdom. Amen.

 

I agree. Unless the 25th Amendment is invoked very soon, JD Vance will not be able to replace Trump as the new President. Without such a transition, the country heads toward the Midterms, where Trump could suffer a major defeat. He seems determined to maintain his destructive course until the bitter end, driven by a spitefulness that begrudges anyone a future after he is gone. He may be seriously ill and aware that his time is short. Yet, he mistakenly believes that a few superficial Christian gestures will suffice for his salvation. It is deeply troubling that religious figures like Father Barron lack the backbone to confront him about his soul or suggest an exorcism, choosing instead to appease him. Trump is not merely psychopathic; he exhibits clear signs of possible possession that require treatment. However, his pathological narcissism makes the necessary humility for such a process impossible. This man should never have been elected; the US desperately needs independent psychological and fitness screenings for presidential candidates. Meanwhile, JD Vance appears increasingly compromised, much like those spineless priests who have abandoned their moral duty.

 

Beautiful post Steve. It resonates with me on every point. Thank you for the two beautiful prayers.

 

It’s very true that politics is mostly just a waste of time and effort, but current events threaten us all. Our livelihoods, perhaps even our lives, are under threat. This is hard to ignore.

 

https://x.com/i/status/2044390005833928936

 

I think that interpretation represents a piece of ‘MAGA’ wishful thinking. There are reports of a ceasefire in Lebanon. If these reports are true, it is Israel who need a ceasefire because they are getting a monumental hammering in South Lebanon, extending now into Northern Israel. There are also reports of ships passing through the blockade and there is a Truthsocial message from Trump saying the blockade is over. Of course, we must take the fog of war into account. Neither Iran nor China should be dismissed so glibly. It is not the Iranian nor Chinese leaderships that are cracking under the pressure, but those of the US, Israel and their Arab satraps in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and UAE.

Time will tell, but I think the Epsteinists are heading for a pig of a strategic defeat, upon which they will paint their ‘lipstick’ to try and convince people of their great ‘victory’.

 

https://x.com/i/status/2044460910274560027

 

Iran has regained escalation dominance by accusing the US of breaching the ceasefire with its blockade (and indeed, in international law a blockade is considered an act of war) and has announced it will blockade the Red Sea, if the US continues.

The Iranians have also brought up some UN legal legislation from 1974 that demonstrates the absolute legality of their attacks on US bases in third countries. Apparently, the Chinese have acted quickly by directing missiles at US bases in South Asia.

Ironically, this UN legislation also considers the Russian attack on Donbass as justified. It’s my impression that UN legislation is signed up to by most countries in the world, so it carries a great deal of legitimacy.

Interesting times.

 

Under canon law, voting for a candidate who commits blasphemy does not trigger automatic excommunication, as the act of voting is considered a complex decision of conscience. However, theologians warn that supporting a candidate because of their blasphemous actions, or knowingly downplaying them, constitutes a mortal sin that jeopardizes one's spiritual standing. Regarding the Midterms, the principle of the 'lesser of two evils' applies: Catholics are morally obligated to protect the common good. If Trump is perceived as a threat to constitutional order or religious integrity, voting against him—or for a more moderate alternative—can be seen as a moral necessity to prevent a greater evil. Blind loyalty in the face of blatant blasphemy or signs of spiritual 'possession' is theologically indefensible. A mortal sin occurs when there is grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent. Supporting a candidate who publicly commits blasphemy can be considered a mortal sin because it violates the First Commandment and constitutes a 'cooperation in evil.' By downplaying the mockery of the sacred, a voter turns away from God's grace and causes a 'scandal'—leading others to believe that such behavior is compatible with the faith.

The classification as a mortal sin and the legal implications are based on the following Canons of the CIC:

• Canon 1369: Mandates a 'just penalty' for anyone who uses blasphemy or promotes hatred against religion in public. A voter who actively encourages this is guilty of cooperation in an unlawful act.
• Canon 209 §1: Obligates all faithful to maintain communion with the Church at all times. Supporting blasphemous content is seen as a breach of this internal communion and thus a grave moral failing.
• Canon 1329: Addresses complicity. Anyone who incites or decisively supports an offense (which can apply to the act of voting) shares the moral responsibility for the act committed by the candidate.

 

Distinguishing in Confession (with AI-help)
In confession, the focus is on the intent of the heart. The line to mortal sin is crossed when loyalty to a leader (Trump) is placed above the honor of God.
How to frame the confession:

• Not a Mortal Sin (Excusable): "I voted for a candidate whose character I dislike because I saw no other political way to prevent even greater harm (e.g., abortion or economic collapse)." (The intent here was the common good).
• Mortal Sin (Requires Confession): "I knowingly accepted or even cheered for the candidate's blasphemy and malice because political victory was more important to me than respect for the Sacred. I silenced my conscience to support someone acting against the Gospel."

The priest will look for: Was it a choice made under duress (lesser of two evils), or was it a denial of faith driven by pride or blind fanaticism?

 

There is a profound fear that Trump might commit a form of religious betrayal: courting Catholic voters while simultaneously threatening dissenters with draconian penalties. Should he establish institutions for loyalty screenings, believers would face an existential test of conscience. This concern extends to a violent confrontation with the Vatican: scenarios are envisioned where special forces could kidnap or assassinate the Pope in Rome—an act echoing the 'Bishop in White' from the Fatima prophecies. Following a potential kidnapping, a show trial—analogous to the methods used by regimes like Maduro's—is a terrifying possibility, where the Pope could be charged with 'treason' or global interference. Since treason can carry the death penalty, this would trigger an unprecedented wave of persecution. If allies like JD Vance or Marco Rubio provide rhetorical cover for such a course, resistance becomes life-threatening. It would represent the ultimate trial between loyalty to the state and loyalty to God.

 

This seems like a way to comply with the blockade imposed by the United States while still maintaining some degree of moral autonomy in the process. In my view, it’s all or nothing for the Iranian regime over the next two months, depending on the impact this has on Western countries that rely on its oil.

 

Something struck me earlier with this talk of 'just war'. I was thinking it may well be considered 'just war' but it's still 'just' war.
St. Augustine's conditions for just war are very specific and very much a last resort. Surely Jesus's exhortation to live in peace should be our primary concern. Perhaps we're still living in the stone age. ( though I don't think they were that barbaric).
Please God the current moves towards peace will bear fruit.
Our Lady Queen of Peace, pray for us.