In Virginia where I live, sin is set to abound. The new governor and new darling of the left is diligently working to expand the culture of sin in our state. It may already abound in your state, particularly if you live in California, New York, Maryland, Colorado, Minnesota, or another state where abortion and other mortal sins are codified into law. Governors and state legislators are striving to normalize, encourage, even celebrate those sins.
But there is a silver lining. Actively resisting this culture of sin not only benefits society in the usual ways, but also can dispose one to greater graces, more rapid growth in holiness, and greater interior peace.
Most prominent within the culture of sin is abortion. In Virginia it has been legal during the first and second trimesters, and in rare cases during the third trimester. The previous governor, Glenn Youngkin (R), sought to limit abortion to within 15 weeks of pregnancy. But the new governor, Abigail Spanberger (D), supports a radical constitutional amendment that locks-in abortion-on-demand. Due to its vague language and loopholes, it could institute late-term abortion up until birth (and maybe even post-birth infanticide, as Virginia’s previous Democrat governor infamously discussed in 2019). Spanberger approved putting the legislation on a state-wide ballot to amend Virginia’s constitution.
Other grave sins expected to be instituted or to become more deeply entrenched under Spanberger include:
· Assisted suicide.
· Homosexual legal unions.
· Castration and genital mutilation of gender-confused children (unless legal victories frustrate those plans).
· Biological boys in girls’ sports, bathrooms, and locker rooms.
· Schools not notifying parents about their kids identifying as transgender.
· Legalized marijuana.
· Non-cooperation with the federal government in removing criminal illegal aliens.
· Unethical gerrymandering.
· Higher taxes. (It’s arguably a sin to coerce money out of people over and above the amount needed to fund essential government functions.)
· A $15 minimum wage, thus pricing unskilled workers out of a job, hitting low-income minorities hardest.
· A flurry of new business regulations, thus driving out businesses and jobs.
As dismaying as this is, graces abound for those who actively resist – through more prayer, more vigilance, more involvement, and more action. As the saying goes, pray as if everything is up to God, and act as if everything is up to you.
Above all, pray against the depravity. Make it a part of in your daily petitions if you don’t do so already. Bolster your prayers by fasting. Read sacred scripture often. For Catholics, increase your frequency of Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, confession, the Rosary, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
Whether this brings results on the legislative front is up to God, but one thing is almost certain: greater graces for you.
Amid the prayer, take action. Pressure legislators with phone calls, emails, and requests for meetings. Raise awareness through social media. Witness outside of abortion facilities. (Show up early Saturday mornings when abortions are frequently scheduled.) Slap a pro-life magnet on your car. March in the March for Life. Donate to advocacy groups that work against the wickedness.
During the 1920s when the Mexican government persecuted the Catholic Church, 14-year-old resistor – and now canonized saint – José Sánchez del Río reportedly told his mother, “Mama, never like now is it so easy to gain heaven”. ( Mamá, nunca como ahora ha sido tan fácil ganarse el cielo.) While our present situation is not nearly as intense as Mexico’s back then, his words nevertheless still apply. During times of moral rot, actively resisting the evil builds extraordinary spiritual merits that are harder to come by during “normal” times.
Pray not only for the thwarting of Gov. Spanberger’s – or your own governor’s – agenda, but also for the salvation of her soul and her conversion to authentic Christianity. By institutionalizing mortal sin, she is in danger of a rude awakening when she eventually passes from this world. Because of her high position she will be held to a far higher standard. As Jesus admonished,
Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more. (Luke 12:48)
And as the Old Testament states,
Because, though you were ministers of his kingdom, you did not judge rightly,
and did not keep the law,
nor walk according to the will of God,
terribly and swiftly he shall come against you,
because severe judgment awaits the exalted.
. . . for those in power a rigorous scrutiny impends. (Wisdom 6:4-5, 8)
Pray also for the conversion and salvation of the legislators who pass her agenda, as well as for the citizens who voted them into office. They, too, are in great spiritual danger.
It is perhaps ironic that while the culture around you moves closer to hell, the opportunities to move closer to heaven increase. Take advantage of those opportunities through prayer and action. That may help to not only save souls, but also your state.
