# Praying for the United States in times of crisis
*2020-06-28*

> Bill Young reflects on the graces of Divine Mercy Sunday and shares his analytical concerns regarding the current political and social unrest in the United States.

## The Graces of Divine Mercy

I want to start by reflecting on this past Sunday's Gospel and homily at St. Max and Kobe. The readings spoke of the blessed and those who will receive a reward, specifically mentioning the prophets. While we don't hear that term often today—unless it is from false prophets—true prophecy and revelation still exist. I recall a story from a priest who assisted St. John Paul II; he mentioned hearing the Pope speak directly with our Lord Jesus Christ. While such things are often kept private, we have the diaries of saints like St. Faustina, which provide beautiful insights given directly by Jesus.

These are considered private revelations, so the Church doesn't demand our recognition of them, but they are a great aid. This is especially true for Divine Mercy Sunday. Our Lord gives us so much on that day, where all our sins and punishments are forgiven. Even during the difficulties of the pandemic, when we couldn't go to church, receive Communion, or go to confession, we could still obtain these graces through a spiritual communion, an act of contrition, and two specific prayers. St. Faustina and St. John Paul II believed in this strongly, and as a canonized saint, the Pope's establishment of this feast is a testament to its importance.

## An Analytical View of National Unrest

Having served as a government analyst for 15 years, I tend to analyze everything. Looking at the current state of the world, I am concerned. I look at the Supreme Court rulings and the political climate, and I see patterns. Back in March, I noticed a minority leader in the Senate essentially threatening Supreme Court justices. At the time, it didn't seem as urgent because of the coronavirus, but now, seeing the strikes and the calls to abolish the police or disregard the Constitution, those threats take on a new meaning.

I recorded a podcast last April titled 'One Day We Will End Our Crosses,' discussing the hope of the return of Christ and the end of all sickness and sorrow. Interestingly, I felt guided by the Holy Spirit to record that. I noticed a pattern where the cross fell off my rosary beads, and then the same thing happened to a friend and another acquaintance. As an analyst, I know the probability of a bead breaking is high, but when it happens repeatedly, I see it as God trying to get my attention. He guides us through the Holy Spirit, even for someone as dense as I can be.

## The Danger of Chaos and Ideology

We are seeing a push toward chaos. In cities like Seattle and New York, the desire to defund the police has led to higher crime and more death. I believe some are using the tragic death of George Floyd—which, as the family noted, involved a personal history between the individual and the officer—as a catalyst for a far-left agenda. There is a sentiment, similar to the Communist Manifesto, that one should never let a good crisis go to waste. The goal for some is to destroy the Constitution and move toward a system where you are guilty until proven innocent.

I think of my father-in-law in Cuba. He had a house and a business, but the government took everything away, leaving him with zero. People who feel comfortable in their homes today should realize that if we move too far left, those private properties could be taken away through zoning changes or other means. While the current president may not always be diplomatic in his speech, he generally fulfills his promises regarding jobs and taxes. We face a dramatic choice about where this country is headed.

## Faith, Family, and the Path to Peace

The current divide is not aligned with our Lord Jesus Christ. We see a double standard where thousands are allowed to demonstrate in the streets without masks, yet churches were told they could not meet due to the virus. A federal judge in New York rightly pointed out that you cannot have it both ways. We must remember that the founders of this country sought freedom of religion and a break from the tyranny of the state.

If you want to be a friend of Jesus, I believe you must know Mary first. I found great peace through the book '33 Days in Morning Glory' and the writings of St. Louis de Montfort. In these times of strife, we must remember the two greatest commandments: love God and love thy neighbor as ourselves, including our enemies. Heaven is love; you cannot enter heaven with hatred in your heart. We must pray for the United States and for the people to realize the gravity of the situation.

*The only way to find true peace and enter heaven is to replace hatred with love and align our lives with the will of God.*