Q: I am very troubled about the things that are happening in the world. I would like to know what a priest’s view is of all the “woke” agenda that is being forced on people all over the Western world. How do you feel about the things they are trying to make us believe, like men can have babies, that a man can become a woman, and that children can decide this at a very young age? What do you think about people being punished by losing their jobs or even being jailed for saying things that go against this? What about having a chip implanted to make banking “easier”? I hate to sound like a conspiracy theorist, but honestly, I’m starting to think someone is trying to drive us all crazy. – L.F.
Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC
A: You aren’t alone in your concerns. The world is a mess — and getting messier.
As for all the stuff about woke agenda and men having babies, it reminds one of a G.K. Chesterton quote: “The problem of disbelieving in God is not that a man ends up believing nothing. Alas, it is much worse. He ends up believing anything.”
The mess around us is the fruit of atheism, agnosticism, skepticism, secularism and a bunch of other -isms.
The first counsel is: Don’t despair. The world has been something of a wreck since the day Adam sinned. But God is ultimately in charge.
Second, focus on living your faith well. That means a solid prayer life and sacramental life. And try to get involved in volunteer work with the Church. Aim to do things that build for the future.
Third, limit your exposure to bad news. It can get you depressed. Spend 5 or 10 minutes in the morning with a decent newspaper or Internet news site — and then get on with life. Try to avoid the 24/7 cycle of news, which doesn’t help one’s blood pressure.
Fourth, feed your mind with good things: the Bible, spiritual books, orthodox Catholic media (EWTN, Catholic Answers, Relevant Radio, etc.).
Fifth, armed with the things you learn from prayer and from Catholic media, look for little opportunities to push back when people try to promote an anti-Christian agenda. Our voice counts for something, too.
And love your family as best you can. Count on my prayers.
