# God Is With Us in These Troubling Times
*2019-08-04*

> Bill Young reflects on recent mass shootings, the hope we find in God’s presence, and leads listeners in prayers of consecration, a prayer of St. Pio, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

## A Grieving Nation and God’s Presence

I begin by condemning the recent mass murders in Texas and Ohio and praying for the souls of those lost. While stronger gun laws are necessary, they alone will not end violence; wherever there is a will to kill, a means will be found. In the midst of this sorrow, I was reminded of God’s presence when, after a heavy rainstorm, two rainbows appeared and a flock of white birds flew in a triangular formation, illuminated by the sun. To me that was a sign of the Holy Trinity—rainbow as Father and Son, white birds as the Holy Spirit—showing that God is with us even in the darkest moments.

## Hope in the Thousand‑Year Reign

I shared a personal vision of a future when the cross is removed from our lives, a time of the thousand‑year reign when there will be no more death, sickness, or murder—only love, saints, and angels. This{[unclear]} reminder that such a time is promised gives us strength to endure the present battle against evil, even as Satan seeks to dominate us.

## Consecration of Humanity to the Sacred Heart

Before we pray, I recited a consecration of the human race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I acknowledged that removing guns, cars, knives, or bombs will not eradicate the desire to kill, but we can respond by consecrating ourselves to Christ’s heart, asking for mercy on those who have never known Him, and praying for the conversion of all sinners.

## Prayer of St. Pio and Daily Act of Consecration

I then prayed a heartfelt petition to Jesus, modeled on the prayers of St. Pio, asking for strength to resist sin, to be filled with the fire of divine love, and to share in Christ’s suffering. Following that, I offered a daily act of consecration to the Sacred Heart, placing my whole life, family, work, and even my smallest good works into Jesus’ hands, asking that every moment be offered for the Kingdom.

## Chaplet of Divine Mercy

We concluded with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, beginning with the opening prayer, the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Apostles’ Creed. I repeatedly offered the Passion of Christ, asking the Eternal Father for mercy on the whole world. The chaplet was followed by a litany of Divine Mercy, proclaiming trust in God’s boundless compassion.

*Even in the midst of tragedy, we are called to consecrate ourselves to Christ’s Sacred Heart and trust that God’s mercy endures.*