The Lights Are On But Nobody Is Home

   (Photo above was taken yesterday at the Lincoln Theater in Cheyenne, Wyoming.)

Ash Wednesday seems to be evoking an emptiness within me that is somewhat unfamiliar.  It does not feel like the typical entrance into the penitential season of Lent. It feels more like the desolation of Good Friday.  The last two years have felt like perpetual Lent.  Can our nation and our world finally experience new life?

The report released by Pfizer yesterday has me even more concerned about all the long-term effects of the experimental gene therapy (vaccine). The harm done by this experiment will eventually be revealed.  It is a shame that it took a lawsuit to get this information.  Why was it so important for them to keep this data concealed?  You can read the whole report here:
phmpt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/5.3.6-postmarketing-experience.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2L48f07cUCV3Op2TCQ3ixoIwRJU8pV90gS1R50WfkkJBJ57dbIPNfpYu0

I invite you to pay special attention to the end of the report.  Pages 30 to 38 list the adverse reactions from the gene therapy (vaccine).  There are nine pages of adverse reactions listed one after another with only a semi-colon separating them. Nine pages! How could such a travesty be thrust upon the people in such a careless way?  Or was it done with planning and intentionality knowing full well the consequences that would be in store?

Shifting gears--

For many years now, the State of the Union Speech has become nothing more than than a campaign speech highlighted with theatrics and special guest appearances. Last night's speech was quite similar, but with a much more disjointed message than usual.  Even though the current president served as Vice President under the man who was able to give eloquent dissertations on the national stage, that skill was not passed on to the current holder of the White House.

Have you noticed that the state of our union is always strong?  It doesn't matter who is in the White House, we are always doing just fine.  Do you feel like you are doing fine?

The Joint Economic Committee (JEC) says that inflation is costing the typical household $385 more per month now.  President Biden said, "Don't lower wages. Lower costs."  I don't have the ability to lower costs unless I simply quit eating.  I have already turned down the heat so low that I frequently wear several layers in the house. My wages have not been lowered, but they have not been raised $385 per month either.  Bottom line--the poor and the middle class once again suffer the consequences of poor decision-making by the powerful elite.  Or are these intentional decisions designed to keep the poor and middle class in their place?

​Does the conflict between Russia and Ukraine impact our sense of strength here at home?  Does our nation's response make us look like the state of our union is strong?

Does our "Catholic" president pushing the pro-abortion agenda during the State of the Union speech make us feel that the state of the union is strong?  Does the quietness of our bishops about this topic, and the president proclaiming it from his bully pulpit, make you feel that the state of the Church is strong here in America?

There is ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, and APOSTOLIC Church.  Did you get that message during the State of the Union speech?  Let's be honest.  The Church is as divided as the nation.  When a Catholic president stands up and proclaims his full-fledge support of things that go directly against Church teaching and there are no consequences, the message is loud and clear.  There are no doctrines or dogmas worth defending.  Each person can hold their own truth.  I guess that is a logical next step considering we as a Church were considered "non-essential" for so long.

​I have to recognize that I am walking through a period of spiritual desolation.  That desolation is being caused by numerous external circumstances that I have allowed to impact my internal being. There is also a sense of helplessness in watching the faith being watered down and even disregarded.  I am hopeful that the Season of Lent will be the recipe to address the challenges of my own spiritual dryness.  I also yearn for that clear discernment of heart in how to be the most effective minister I can be in my role as husband, parent, deacon, and community leader.  I pray that these days of Lent bear abundant fruit in my life and yours.

My dear readers, as we enter into the journey of Lent, may we find strength and comfort in the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion and power of the Holy Spirit!