| | It’s the morning after. As I cradle my coffee, gazing through the window at the lingering autumn leaves—vibrant reds clinging resolutely to otherwise barren branches—a profound sense of an extraordinary journey recently completed washes over me. The scene reflects the state of our nation: hues of conviction holding fast amidst a landscape stripped bare by the winds of something dark and unyielding. At my age, I’ve seen decades of elections, felt the tremors of cultural shifts, each seismic in its own way. Yet, nothing quite compares to the upheaval that has gripped the soul of America in these recent years.
Most consequentially, we've witnessed a departure from the conviction of our inherent dignity as imago Dei—created for fulfillment in Him. In its place, a doctrine of Subjective Caprice has taken root, which regards “truth” as something molded by individual whim, untethered from objective reality. This paradigm shift has birthed paradoxes: movements professing to combat fascism employ coercion and violence, mirroring the very tyranny they oppose. Social orders, having relinquished universal truths, grapple with maintaining integrity amidst blurred lines that once defined our essence.
The erosion of these foundational truths has manifested in societal maladies: escalating violence, the scourge of human trafficking, and policies that compromise national security. This departure from objective morality has sown confusion, undermining our capacity for resilience and fostering a culture of victimization and entitlement. The result is an economy in disarray, challenges in daily sustenance, and institutionalized gender confusion that inflict psychological, physical, and spiritual harm.
Disturbingly, at times these actions are cloaked in the name of Jesus, as if He did not proclaim a narrow path with clear criteria for His Kingdom—a basis for admission or rejection. At the heart of it lies a deep conviction that each of us is endowed with the capacity to choose.
This morning, hearing Donald Trump's early morning acceptance speech, I was specifically drawn to his words corresponding to having miraculously survived an assassination attempt, "Many people told me that God spared my life for a reason...." A flicker of his defiant fist in the air and blood streaming down his face crossed my mind. It was then that it all came clear. Wrapped in the image of tenacious red leaves before me. The real meaning of an extraordinary "Red Wave." The color red, symbolizing blood, evokes the deepest traditions of faith—life poured out for the salvation of the world. It's a reminder that our journey is about being perfected through an objective good beyond our determination. For those with honest eyes to see, there is an awareness that throughout history, God has chosen individuals of profound imperfection—like David, whose transgressions led to repentance and redemption—to be means of a more excellent human order corresponding to our nature in God. As long as we draw breath and seek truth, we remain instruments of His purpose.
While for now it seems that the greater good has reclaimed near-total governmental power, it remains very limited and flawed. We have to remain vigilant against the whispers of Wormwood, suggesting that a genuinely flourishing social order depends upon an ambiguous "them." The pursuit of human excellence begins with me, and every other person who knows themselves as a "me," who knows themselves as one appointed and anointed with a divine nature, with an unsurpassed capacity to love with the heart of the Father and care for every person.
In the end, our fate in this present moment is not ultimately dependent upon the might of Mordor or the valor of Rohan, but the choices we make now to embrace the truth of whose we are—to live it abundantly. To remain connected to the One who made us, such that we can remain attuned and rightly discern distraction. This is the real red wave, blood overflowing from us into those closest to us—our spouses and families, and our communities. All of this is marked by sacrifice—the word literally meaning "to make sacred."
By God's hand, each of us are profoundly loved and have been “elected.” May our response now truly be the red wave that marks each of us. Life giving blood poured out for the good of others, reverberating throughout the world for the glory of God.
If you feel moved to give, let it be today. Whether large or small, your gift will help us continue the mission and reach even more lives with the light and hope of Christ. Join us in this symphony of grace, and may we together reveal the true worth of every soul touched by the Master’s hand. GO: MassImpact.us/PARTNER
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Greg & Stephanie Schlueter,
Image Trinity | Mass Impact
Greg@MassImpact.us | (814) 449-8808
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| RADIO / PODCAST: EPISODE 444: The Morning After Election 2024 | Raw Commentary | Speeches | What Matters Most
Stephanie and Greg capture this historic moment: the day after Election 2024, marked by a surprising Red Wave that defied predictions. We share raw insights, highlights from President-Elect Trump's early-morning acceptance speech, and an unexpected take from a CNN commentator—all framed through our call to build the Kingdom and focus on what truly matters. Join us! As always, your comments are always encouraged: Greg@MassImpact.us. LISTEN
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| JOIN US FOR SANCTUS 24: November 8, 9, 10
Taking place at Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Toledo
REGISTER FOR EACH: CatholicRevival.us
Friday night (11/8), 6:30P IGNITE with worship led by Max Menkhaus, worship leader from Cleveland's "The Fest," presided by Deacon Mark Genovesi.
Saturday (11/9), 9-11:30A The Catholic Family Gathering with inspiration from the Erickson family, great family interaction, and adoration presided by Fr. David Kidd with worship led by Max Menkhaus.
Sunday (11/10), 6:30P The Catholic Grandparent Gathering keynoted by Peter & Deb Herbeck. |
| ROCK ALBUM Forged by Fairytales Inspired by G.K. Chesterton, the band Shatterglass Scallywags (named after the revolutionary piglets in Magnificent Piglets) is releasing a new fairytale-inspired song every week. LISTEN NOW to the title track, "Forged by Fairytales."
10/18 Brothers Bound (Billy Goats Gruff)
10/25 Beauty Never Sleeps (Sleeping Beauty)
11/1 Steward Of Souls (Pied Piper)
11/8 Dungeons Of Disdain (Hansel & Gretel)
11/15 Rise Up, Brothers! (Man Anthem)
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