{"id":10365,"date":"2017-09-05T21:34:48","date_gmt":"2017-09-05T21:34:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/spiritdaily.org\/blog\/?p=10365"},"modified":"2017-09-05T21:43:17","modified_gmt":"2017-09-05T21:43:17","slug":"persecution-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spiritdaily.org\/blog\/persecution-update\/","title":{"rendered":"Persecution Update"},"content":{"rendered":"

September 5, 2017<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Michael H. Brown\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <spiritdaily@cfl.rr.com><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fr. Joe Esper\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 parish@iccatholic.org<\/p>\n

Dear Mr. Brown,<\/p>\n

Attached is the article you requested as a follow-up to my book Preparing for the Coming Persecution.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>I consulted with Claire Schaefer at Queenship Publishing, and she confirmed my impression that sales of the book have remained steady since the election of Mr. Trump.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, I can understand why it\u2019s advisable to address the mistaken belief that the mere presence of a pro-life president in the White House means all the threats to religious liberty have been removed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Also, for your information, I will have a new book coming out from Queenship some time next month. \u00a0 The title is Your Soul in the Balance: Spiritual Warfare, Purgatory, and the Four Last Things. <\/em>I hope it\u2019s all right that I mention it in the brief \u201cbio\u201d at the end of this article.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

May God continue to bless your important work in regard to Spirit Daily and your many books and retreats.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In Christ,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fr. Joe Esper<\/p>\n

(586) 725-3051<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Preparing for the Coming Persecution\u2014<\/em>An Update<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rev. Joseph M. Esper<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day <\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Lord does not delay His promise, as some regard \u201cdelay,\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

but He is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish <\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:8-9).<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Several months after the 2016 publication of my book Preparing for the Coming Persecution: A Handbook for Faithful Catholics<\/em>, Donald Trump was, in an historic upset, elected President of the United States. This largely-unexpected event evoked a wide range of reactions: delight on the part of his supporters; angry disbelief by the allies and supporters of his opponent; shock and confusion by political commentators and other \u201cexperts\u201d who were certain Mr. Trump was unelectable; resentment and worry for many Beltway insiders and other members of the ruling establishment; and gratitude and relief on the part of those Christians, political conservatives, and patriots who feared for the future of our country should a second President Clinton occupy the Oval Office.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It seemed the growing trend of government hostility toward practicing Christians\u2014with the very real possibility of an eventual outright religious persecution\u2014had been derailed last November 8. The election of a God-fearing, patriotic American to our nation\u2019s highest office\u2014especially one who reportedly underwent a sincere religious conversion during the presidential campaign\u2014had supposedly ended the threat of religious repression within the United States. The \u201cland of the free and the home of the brave\u201d had apparently dodged a bullet\u2014or so many believed. But was that really true, and if so, for how long?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The very real possibility of a \u201cwar on Christianity\u201d in our nation had been acknowledged and warned of by many social, political, and religious authors and commentators.\u00a0\u00a0 No one would seriously argue that the Obama Administration had been favorably disposed to the religious freedom of Catholics and other devout Christians, nor could anyone credibly deny a growing hostility toward the conscience rights of religious believers on the part of much of the state and federal judiciary.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, the continually accelerating advance of technology\u2014with its ever-more sinister potential abuses in the areas of surveillance, communications, and even the potential manipulation of an individual\u2019s thoughts and feelings\u2014constituted a growing threat to the privacy and First Amendment rights of those persons and groups deemed to be \u201cpolitically incorrect.\u201d (To give but one worrisome example: Experts warn that the images of law-abiding American citizens are recorded on video cameras in public spaces an average of 75 times a day<\/em>, and these images are readily available to law-enforcement agencies.)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to the \u201csigns of the times\u201d (cf. Lk. 12:54-56) present in politics, technology, and popular culture, many supposed messages from the realm of private revelation also warned over the last few years of the very real danger of a religious persecution. For instance, a visionary referred to as \u201cElaine\u201d was allegedly given this message for the United States on July 29, 2016:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

America: beware. \u00a0 Satan and his minions seek to rule over you, through<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

corrupt leadership. Corrupt leadership produces corrupt laws, corrupt rules,<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

corrupt regulations, and\u2014most dangerous and perilous of all\u2014corrupt <\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 courts and corrupt systems of justice.<\/em> Roe v. Wade [the 1973 Supreme<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Court decision overturning virtually all restrictions on abortion] and<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Obergefell v. Hodges [the 2015 decision allowing same-sex \u201cmarriage\u201d]<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

are but two examples of anti-life rulings in America\u2019s courts of law. Once<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

sharia law [the Islamic code of justice] is imposed in certain sectors of your<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

nation, there will be an outright persecution of Christians <\/em>in your nation.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Every man who stands idly by, with his hands in his pockets, whistling,<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

as this occurs must answer to God for his lack of a vigorous response to<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

many, many grave<\/em> injustices now faced\u2014and soon to be faced\u2014by the<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

People of God.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Beast [a reference to Satan and his chosen Antichrist; cf. Rev. 13:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1ff] controls your bureaucracy. The devil and his minions have already<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>begun to use government entities to persecute Christians and Christian<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

organizations, particularly the IRS. As more information is amassed via<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

the Internet, look for more \u201cbureaucratic,\u201d insidious forms of the<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

persecution of Christians to occur within your borders.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This alleged message is both very specific and very alarming (including the warning that Christians who fail to resist a growing tide of evil in our society will be held accountable by God). However, this message was given several months before<\/em> the presidential election. With Mr. Trump in the White House, hasn\u2019t the danger been removed or at least lessened?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Some knowledgeable and informed Christians believe the prayers and sacrifices of millions of religious believers throughout our country (and even abroad) affected the outcome of the election. Two days after Election Day, alleged visionary John Leary was told by Our Lady, \u201cMy dear children, I am happy for America that all of your prayers from the heart were answered by my Son. You had faith in my Son, and He performed a Divine miracle, despite the fixed voting machines\u201d [an apparent reference to voting fraud intended to benefit the losing candidate]. Other messages allegedly given to various messengers and prophets suggest that America was being given one last chance to avoid divine punishment, and that the Lord had in fact intervened to thwart the plans of the one-world movement.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

However, on Election Day itself Jesus reportedly told John Leary, \u201c. . . do not lose heart over the coming<\/em> persecution<\/em> [emphasis added]. \u00a0 Your faith in Me is about to be tested,\u201d and on the following day Our Lord stated:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

My people, you have witnessed a miracle and the surprise outcome that<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I spoke to you about with your President-Elect Trump\u2019s win. I and your<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

people answered your prayer for this outcome. \u00a0 It is your people who<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

rose up against your establishment that have held your people hostage<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

for so long. Your people have spoken at the ballot box, and some prayers<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

of thanksgiving are in order. It is the reaction of your establishment that<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

you need to be concerned about now. You need to continue your prayers<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

that you do not see a martial law reaction, and prayers that your new<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

President-Elect is not assassinated. The evil ones among your establishment<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 are going to strike back<\/em> [emphasis added], and you need prayers and My<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

power to protect the choice of your people.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Thus, Jesus indicated that Mr. Trump\u2019s election does not mean that, in and of itself, all the threats to our religious and civil liberties have been removed or overcome.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the days and weeks following the election, similar warnings were allegedly given to the visionary Elaine. Just forty-eight hours after the election, Our Lady told her, \u201cI come here tonight to warn my children not to rest on their laurels. \u00a0 Yes, America has elected a pro-life candidate to her highest office; but that does not mean the fight is over<\/em> [emphasis added]. You must continue to fast and pray for the conversion of hearts that needs to occur, in order for the conversion of your nation to occur.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

On November 27 Elaine was told by Our Heavenly Mother, \u201cPray for your country. Her fate hangs in the balance <\/em>[emphasis added]. Pray for the conversion of her people, from a culture of death to a culture of life. Donald Trump cannot do this alone. Without the prayerful support of the American people, Satan may yet draw a victory out of the jaws of defeat.\u201d \u00a0 In addition, two days before Christmas, the Virgin Mary told Elaine,<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Pray for America, dear child. The globalists wish to destroy her in the end.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The prayers and sacrifices of the faithful remnant may yet help to thwart<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

those plans. Pray much<\/em> for President-Elect Trump. \u00a0 Your country is under<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

attack. Heaven has given your country another chance in giving you this<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

President-Elect. Pray that he will <\/em>be inaugurated. Pray for his wellbeing<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

and protection.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mr. Trump was indeed inaugurated on January 20, 2017\u2014but the widespread (and, if reports are to be believed, partially paid-for and orchestrated) protests against him that began immediately after Election Day were merely the prelude to an ever-growing chorus of vitriolic criticism and fanatical opposition faced by the new president upon entering the White House. \u00a0 Independent analysis has confirmed, again and again, the blatant and unprecedented hostility and partisanship of the media toward President Trump\u2014especially in comparison to his predecessor. The \u201cEstablishment\u201d or \u201cDeep State\u201d (i.e., the interlocking network of politicians, bureaucrats, career government officials, lobbyists, academics, media figures, and other persons whose ongoing power and influence is rooted in resisting and outlasting anyone attempting to return power to the American people by genuinely reforming the system) has manifested its unyielding hostility to the new president, seeking to undermine and oppose him in every possible way.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, President Trump has made numerous missteps, and has often reacted to his critics and opponents in an un-presidential manner, even to the point of appearing at times to be his own worst enemy. \u00a0 Nevertheless, the level of political resistance, unfair media coverage, and outright hatred he has experienced far surpasses the opposition and hostility encountered by previous chief executives. Mr. Trump\u2019s very real successes (e.g., the appointment of a pro-life Supreme Court justice, a huge drop in the level of illegal immigration since his inauguration, solid steps in reforming certain government agencies such as the Veterans\u2019 Administration, etc.) are largely downplayed or ignored, and his admittedly numerous difficulties and failures are given unceasing and one-sided or misleading news coverage. \u00a0 Indeed, some members of the media seem to be hoping and working toward a self-fulfilling prophecy by discussing the possibility of impeachment, and several alleged messages from Heaven warn of attempts to undermine or even assassinate the president. For instance, in late August during a Mass of Reparation (that is, one specifically offered in reparation for the sins of the United States), Jesus allegedly told a woman named \u201cKay\u201d of a plot for President Trump\u2019s assassination.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Just before the inauguration, another alleged visionary referred to as Victor was informed by Our Lady that the many rosaries being offered for the President-Elect were \u201cdeflecting flaming arrows\u201d being aimed at him, and on February 8 she said, \u201cContinue to pray for [President] Trump; he is part of God\u2019s plan for this country.\u201d A few weeks later Mary informed Victor that the New World Order had set a deadline to remove Mr. Trump from office, and on April 5 she allegedly stated, \u201cContinue to pray for President Trump, who is under major attack, which will continue to escalate.\u201d Victor claims to have received a similar message from the Blessed Mother on August 2, in which she warned, \u201cContinue to pray for President Trump\u2014new plans are in the process to remove him from office.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We can only speculate as to what these plans involve: \u00a0 impeachment, efforts to declare the president unfit, a widespread protest movement aimed at de-legitimizing Mr. Trump\u2019s presidency, assassination, or even a military coup. \u00a0 It\u2019s also possible a series of crises might be exploited or created to justify the imposition of martial law\u2014which could provide the opportunity to marginalize the president\u2019s authority, while also imposing new restrictions on his political and religious supporters.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In light of all this, an obvious question arises: If Mr. Trump\u2019s presidency is indeed somehow brought to an end, won\u2019t this simply mean another devout Christian and patriotic American will succeed him?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

There is in fact every reason to hope, if this comes about, that Vice-President Pence will prove to be an excellent chief executive. However, the \u201cother side\u201d (i.e., the Deep State, the Establishment, and the One World movement) surely has a contingency plan for such an eventuality; they have no intention of allowing one person, no matter how legitimate and popular his authority, to interfere with their satanically-inspired plans that have been underway for decades. \u00a0 (Even before World War II, for example, the Soviet Union under Josef Stalin had begun a long-term process to weaken and eventually overthrow the United States by the slow but steady undermining of its moral character and political cohesion through the subversion and degradation of American culture.)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If these possibilities seem remote, unlikely, or even unbelievable, we need to remind ourselves that in our lifetimes, America has largely ceased to exist as \u201cone nation under God,\u201d and has instead become a society in rebellion against the commandments of the Almighty. God has in turn withdrawn His \u201chedge of protection\u201d from our land (an idea ably described in Jonathan Cahn\u2019s book The Harbinger<\/em>), making us vulnerable to attacks from our enemies. The 9-11 terror attacks are a painful illustration of this new reality.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Various private revelations also speak of the growing threats of war, terrorism, civil unrest, and other chastisements for sin\u2014and any of these situations could be manipulated by those who despise America\u2019s former Christian heritage. \u00a0 Jesus Himself warned that the \u201cchildren of this world\u201d take great initiative in bringing their plans to fruition (cf. Lk. 16:8)\u2014and if Christians and other Americans of good will remain spiritually self-absorbed or asleep, we may suddenly find ourselves in a very uncomfortable position: namely, strangers or outcasts in our own homeland.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

All of the different threats, warnings, and prophecies presented in Preparing for the Coming Persecution<\/em> remain timely and relevant, even during the presidency of Donald Trump. \u00a0 We live in very unsettled and uncertain times, and indeed, many alleged private revelations suggest that a series of dramatic events could easily occur quite suddenly, and with little advance notice or time for preparation.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Many secular experts speak of a bloated and ever-more intrusive federal government, insupportable levels of spending on entitlements and other government programs, a gigantic and growing national debt, the possibility of an outright economic collapse, and the vulnerability of our country\u2019s power grid to an EMP (electro-magnetic pulse) attack\u2014not to mention the current headlines (and some private revelations) pointing to heightened international tensions and the very real possibility of a Third World War. President Trump has not been able to \u201csolve\u201d any of these problems, nor will he be able to do so\u2014for they are beyond the ability of any one person to address. \u00a0 Even worse, any one of these threats could set into motion a chain of events in which Christians end up finding themselves \u201cbehind the eight ball,\u201d subject to previously-unthinkable restrictions and repressions.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ultimately, only Divine Grace can preserve America\u2019s freedom and prosperity, and help the president safely navigate the ship of state through dangerous and troubled waters. Unfortunately, our nation\u2019s moral weakness and growing rebellion against God has largely eroded our spiritual defenses, making us more vulnerable than ever before.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Despite the presence in the White House of a God-fearing president who truly loves our country, the United States remains in grave spiritual danger. Just because America dodged a bullet with the election of Donald Trump doesn\u2019t mean the other side has ceased firing or has run out of ammunition.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This is no time for spiritual complacency. All American Christians\u2014especially Catholics\u2014have an urgent moral duty to continue offering prayers and sacrifices for (1) the safety of President Trump and other government leaders, and the success of his efforts to help America turn back to God; (2) a lessening of international tensions and the prevention of a possible World War III; (3) all victims of warfare, terrorism, abortion, religious persecution, government or societal oppression, and other forms of violence and injustice; (4) the conversion of sinners, including Christians who have been neglecting their religious duties; and (5) the moral and spiritual renewal of our nation.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Many hundreds of years before the coming of Christ, the Lord God promised that \u201cif My people, upon whom My Name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek My presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from Heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land\u201d (2 Chr. 7:14).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As we approach the 100th anniversary of Our Lady\u2019s final apparition at Fatima, this promise is perhaps more timely and important than ever before. America is at a crossroads, and Jesus expects each one of us to help our nation choose the path that leads to continued freedom and peace.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rev. Joseph M. Esper is a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit <\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

and the author of numerous articles, along with a dozen books<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

(most of them available through Queenship Publishing). His<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

new book <\/em>Your Soul in the Balance: Spiritual Warfare,<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Purgatory, and the Four Last Things is scheduled to be available <\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

from Queenship by the end of October.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

September 5, 2017     To: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Michael H. Brown\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <spiritdaily@cfl.rr.com>   From:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fr. Joe Esper\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 parish@iccatholic.org Dear Mr. Brown,.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-10365","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-uncategorized","7":"entry"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/spiritdaily.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10365","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/spiritdaily.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/spiritdaily.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spiritdaily.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spiritdaily.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10365"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/spiritdaily.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10365\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/spiritdaily.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10365"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spiritdaily.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10365"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spiritdaily.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10365"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}