Patrick J. Murtaugh @infool7

POLL…

Beloved brethren in Christ, as we gather under the shadow of the Cross in these days of trial, let us hearken to the words of the blessed Psalmist: 'May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you...' (Psalm 70:4). In the historical context of ancient Israel, David composed this psalm amid persecution, fleeing from Absalom or Saul, crying out for swift deliverance while affirming that true joy resides not in earthly rescue but in the seeking of the Lord Himself. The Early Church Fathers, drawing from this sacred text amid Roman arenas and catacomb gatherings, saw therein a prophecy of our own afflictions. St. Augustine, in his Enarrations on the Psalms, expounds that those who seek God with a pure heart discover an inner gladness surpassing all worldly mirth, for the soul finds its rest in the Eternal One who was, is, and shall be. Likewise, from the Catena Aurea traditions echoed by the Venerable Bede and Cassiodorus, this verse aligns with the Gospel calls to seek first the Kingdom, where persecution yields to rejoicing as in the Acts of the Apostles, when the disciples 'rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name' (Acts 5:41). In the patristic witness, seeking the Lord means turning from idols of power and pleasure—much as the martyrs renounced Caesar's divinity—to embrace the poverty of spirit that Christ blesses. Historical persecutions under Diocletian tested this seeking, yet the faithful rejoiced, their gladness a beacon against despair. Thus, dear flock, amid our modern vanities, let us seek Him in prayer, Scripture, and sacrament, that we may be glad in His salvation, our hearts enlarged by divine love rather than contracted by fear. For as the Fathers teach, such rejoicing is the foretaste of heavenly beatitude, where all seekers behold the Face of God eternally. #FearNot220 #FearNotUNPLUGGED #199of220 #Catholic

As the sun rises on June 19, 2026, many of us are waking up to a mix of hopes and quiet worries that fill our days. The world keeps turning with its familiar challenges—economic pressures that stretch family budgets, headlines about distant conflicts that tug at our sense of peace, and the personal struggles we carry like health concerns, strained relationships, or the simple exhaustion of balancing work and rest. Into this mix comes the gentle invitation of Psalm 37:4: "Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Delighting in the Lord is not about pretending everything is perfect or ignoring the real weight we feel. It is an invitation to turn toward God in the ordinary moments—during a morning commute, while preparing a meal, or in the quiet after the children are asleep. When we do this, something shifts inside us. The desires we carry for love, healing, purpose, and security start to find their true home in Him rather than in the fleeting solutions the world offers. For anyone feeling the ache of loneliness in a hyper-connected age, or the anxiety that comes from endless news cycles and social comparisons, this verse brings steady hope. God knows the longings of your heart more deeply than you do. As we spend time in prayer, Scripture, and simple trust, those longings are gently reshaped and ultimately fulfilled according to His loving plan. It may not happen overnight, but the peace that accompanies the waiting is real and sustaining. Today, wherever you are, take a few extra moments to delight. Step outside if you can, notice the warmth of the season, and speak honestly with the Lord about what you need. Many hearts have been encouraged by discovering that when God is our joy, other good things follow in ways we could not have arranged ourselves. You are not alone in whatever you face right now. Let this promise settle over your day like a warm light. God is faithful, and His heart toward you is good. #FearNot220 #155of220 #Catholic

Beloved brethren assembled in the sacred assembly, hearken to the prophet Isaiah in chapter 51 verse 11 declaring that the redeemed shall return with singing unto Zion and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads as they obtain joy and gladness while sorrow and mourning flee away. In its historical context this oracle comforted the exiles in Babylon foretelling their liberation under Cyrus as a type of the greater spiritual exodus from sin wrought by Christ our Redeemer. The Early Church Fathers richly expound this mystery with St Jerome in his Commentary on Isaiah noting the literal return from captivity yet unveiling the allegorical sense of the soul restored to paradise through baptismal grace. Origen likewise in his homilies on the prophets as gathered in patristic catenae interprets the joy upon their heads as the crown of righteousness reserved for those who endure persecution without fear. St Augustine in the City of God and Enarrations upon the Psalms teaches that this gladness is the eternal Sabbath of the saints where perfect charity casts out all fear of death or loss fulfilling the promise that mourning shall flee. St John Chrysostom in parallel discourses on divine consolation exhorts the faithful that such joy is obtained not by earthly ease but by the cross transforming sorrow into resurrection gladness as witnessed by the myrrh-bearing women. In the age of martyrs under Diocletian and Nero the church obtained this joy as Tertullian attests in his Apology the blood of the martyrs becoming seed for countless conversions crowned with everlasting laurels. St Basil and St Cyprian likewise affirm that the early assemblies chanted these Isaian verses amid catacombs dispelling dread through hope in the risen Lord. Thus O faithful let us not fear the trials of our pilgrimage for the Lord shall place everlasting joy upon our heads as sorrow flees before the dawn of eternal gladness. #FearNot220 #FearNotUNPLUGGED #162of220 #Catholic

Hello friends and fellow pilgrims on this journey of faith. Today, June 18, 2026, brings us to verse 132 in our #FearNot220 series, drawing from the Gospel of John where Jesus assures us, "...take courage, I have conquered the world." In our fast-paced world, it's common to feel the weight of uncertainty. Economic fluctuations continue to affect families, with many wondering how to make ends meet or plan for the future. Global events, from ongoing conflicts to climate challenges, remind us daily of the fragility of peace. On a personal level, health concerns, relationship strains, or the simple stress of balancing responsibilities can leave us feeling defeated before the day even begins. But these words from Jesus are not just ancient comfort; they are a living promise for today. He conquered the world through His death and resurrection, meaning that sin, death, and all forms of evil have been defeated. This doesn't mean we won't face trials, but it does mean we face them with a different perspective—one of hope and resilience. Imagine carrying this truth into your morning routine. As you sip your coffee and scroll through news that might stir anxiety, recall that Christ has already won the ultimate victory. This can transform how we approach our challenges, encouraging us to seek solutions rooted in love rather than fear. For those feeling isolated or burdened, know that you are not alone. The Church, our faith community, stands with you, offering prayers and support. Let's use this day to reach out, to offer a kind word, or to simply sit in silent prayer, allowing God's peace to fill us. As summer unfolds in 2026, may we find moments of joy amid the ordinary—time with loved ones, nature's beauty, or quiet reflection. Jesus' message invites us to live courageously, knowing His conquering love empowers us. In the midst of these times, it's important to remember that courage comes from trusting in God's plan. Even when things seem chaotic, there is a divine order and purpose that we can rely on. This faith allows us to move forward with confidence, helping others along the way and building a better tomorrow for all. #FearNot220 #132of220 #Catholic

Beloved brethren, gather close as from the ancient seat of wisdom I, a voice of the Early Fathers, unfold the sacred charge of David to Solomon in First Chronicles twenty and eight. In that hour when the king of Israel, his days waning, assembled the princes and mighty men, he delivered not mere counsel but the very breath of divine assurance: 'Be firm and steadfast... do not fear or be discouraged.' Here lies the historical root, rooted in the covenantal promise to build the Temple, that earthly shadow of the heavenly Jerusalem. David, the man after God's heart, speaks not from human valor alone but from the memory of his own deliverance from Goliath and Saul, echoing the Lord's word to Joshua: 'Be strong and of good courage.' The Chronicler records this as the foundation of sacred architecture, where human hands, fortified by grace, erect what no fear can topple. Hearken to the Catena Aurea of the holy doctor Aquinas, weaving the golden chain of patristic insight. Saint John Chrysostom, golden-mouthed preacher of Constantinople, declares in his homilies on fortitude that such steadfastness is no Stoic endurance but the indwelling of the Paraclete, who turns trembling hearts into living stones of the Church. Likewise, Saint Augustine in his City of God expounds that discouragement is the weapon of the enemy, yet the Lord our God is with us as He was with David, transforming the frail vessel of Solomon into the wise builder of wisdom's house. The Early Church, persecuted yet unbowed, saw in this verse the call to erect the spiritual Temple amid Roman arenas, where martyrs like Ignatius of Antioch remained firm, their blood the mortar of our faith. Thus, O children of the New Covenant, let this verse resound in your souls. The Temple we build is no longer of cedar and gold but the mystical Body, assailed by trials yet sustained by the promise: God is with you. Cast aside fear, for He who began this good work will perfect it. In the catacombs our Fathers chanted these words, their voices rising above the roar of beasts. Be firm, therefore, and steadfast in prayer, almsgiving, and the breaking of bread, that the discouragement of the age may flee before the light of Christ. #FearNot220 #FearNotUNPLUGGED #148of220 #Catholic

@Scavino47 @DanScavino @EmmanuelMacron @realDonaldTrump @SecRubio 5:5 Dan

@MJTruthUltra I'm in the pattern out west of O'Hare this kind of thing happens regularly like clockwork.

@AmericaPapaBear "Sometimes you can't TELL the public the truth. YOU MUST SHOW THEM." -Q (drops 4024, 4076, 4089, 4115, 4121, 4246,4461, 4641, 4685, 4908)

@CRXSSF4DE I put @hirocoilovers coil-overs on my 2002 Lincoln LS and I'd have trouble getting over a smashed soda can in the road but surprisingly enough there are still plenty of places I can drive it in Illinois. The east side of Geneva is NOT one of them.

@usanewshq Kidding... not kidding

As the gentle light of June 17, 2026, filters through our windows, I invite you to pause with me and savor the words of Psalm 31:7: "I will exult and rejoice in your steadfast love..." This is verse 194 in our journey, a simple yet powerful reminder that joy is always available to us, no matter the headlines or heartaches we carry. Life right now feels layered with both promise and pressure. Many are navigating economic shifts that affect family budgets, while others quietly wrestle with health updates or the ache of distant loved ones. Global conversations about peace and technology race forward, sometimes leaving us wondering where we fit in the bigger picture. Even the excitement of summer plans can sit alongside quiet worries about the months ahead. Yet David’s declaration rings true across the centuries: we can choose to exult and rejoice specifically in God’s steadfast love. This love does not waver with stock markets, news cycles, or personal disappointments. It is the steady thread that has held generations before us and holds us today. When fear whispers that things are unraveling, this love invites us to lift our eyes and remember who has never failed. Rejoicing does not mean pretending everything is fine. It means anchoring our hearts in something stronger than circumstances. Perhaps today that looks like a whispered thank-you during morning coffee, a walk outside noticing small beauties, or reaching out to someone who needs encouragement. In these ordinary moments, God’s faithful love becomes tangible again. Friend, whatever you are carrying this June day, you are held. Let the verse settle into your spirit and give you fresh courage. We walk this path together, one verse at a time, choosing hope over fear. #FearNot220 #194of220 #Catholic

Brethren in the Lord, hear the words of the Savior as recorded by the blessed physician Luke: 'Do not be afraid; just have faith.' In the house of Jairus the synagogue ruler, where death had already claimed the twelve-year-old daughter, Christ speaks not to the crowd but to the trembling father whose hope hung by a thread. The historical moment is charged with the tension of first-century Palestine, where a leader of the Jews risks all by falling at the feet of the Nazarene carpenter. Yet the Evangelist shows us that faith, not lineage or status, opens the door to resurrection. As the holy Chrysostom expounds in his homilies on Matthew, drawn likewise into the Catena Aurea, the command 'Fear not' is the same voice that stilled the storm, for the Lord who commands the winds also commands the grave. Augustine, in his sermons on John, reminds us that Jairus represents every soul paralyzed by the report of death; the messengers say 'trouble not the Master,' yet Christ answers with the medicine of faith alone. Cyril of Alexandria further illuminates that the touch of the hem by the hemorrhaging woman, placed immediately before this miracle, teaches that faith precedes the raising: the woman is healed by contact, Jairus by the word. In the Early Church we see this pattern repeated in the catacombs, where martyrs faced beasts without fear because they clung to the same promise. The historical context reveals a Lord who enters the house of mourning not as philosopher but as Life itself, taking the child by the hand and commanding her to arise. Let us therefore cast aside the fear that freezes the heart when the report of death arrives, whether in plague, persecution, or the daily deaths of sin. Cling instead to faith, that living trust which the Fathers call the substance of things hoped for. As the blessed Thomas gathers in the Catena, Ambrose notes that the Lord dismisses the mourners because unbelief cannot witness resurrection. Thus, beloved, enter the quiet chamber of prayer with Jairus, hear again 'Do not be afraid; just have faith,' and behold the daughter arise. #FearNot220 #FearNotUNPLUGGED #124of220 #Catholic

@RealAbs1776 x.com/infool7/status…

Patrick J. Murtaugh @infool7

4 days ago

@drawandstrike President Donald J. Trump has courageously penetrated behind their lines and commandeered the enemy's most powerful and destructive device—"Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon"—and turned it back on them. They have no defense against it. The same phrase, uttered countless times for

0 0 4 523 0

@shiri_shh Nancy Pelosi... Hold my beer

He's a real pro at this sort of thing Thanks, but I did have some help crafting that one, here is a clip from the conversation... Some Examples: 2016–2017: "Fake News" The term "fake news" was initially pushed hard by media and Democrats against Trump (especially around Russian disinformation claims). Trump seized it, weaponized it as "Fake News Media," and turned it into a lasting brand against legacy outlets. He even held "Fake News Awards." This became one of his most effective and enduring narrative flips. 2017 onward: Russia Collusion / "Russia Hoax" Media and Democrats spent years treating "Trump-Russia collusion" as a devastating, near-certain scandal that would destroy him. Trump consistently labeled it a "hoax" and "witch hunt" from the start. Later revelations (Durham report, etc.) largely validated his framing. He successfully turned their primary attack line into evidence of their own overreach and media failure. August 2017: Charlottesville "Very Fine People" Media heavily clipped and weaponized Trump's "very fine people on both sides" comment to paint him as equating Nazis with counter-protesters. Trump repeatedly clarified (in full context) that he was condemning white nationalists while distinguishing peaceful statue protesters. He kept hammering the distortion, making the selective editing and narrative a recurring point against the press. 2020: "China Virus" / Wuhan Lab Origins Early COVID coverage pushed a strong "racist" framing against anyone linking the virus to China. Trump leaned into "China Virus" (and later highlighted lab-leak possibilities). He flipped the political-correctness weapon and kept the focus on China's role and the origins debate. 2020: BLM Riots & "Mostly Peaceful Protests" Media frequently framed 2020 riots with chyrons like "mostly peaceful protests" even as buildings burned. Trump repeatedly highlighted the violence, destruction, and Antifa involvement, directly contrasting their downplaying. The visual memes (burning buildings behind "mostly peaceful" banners) became a major counter-narrative. 2020: Hunter Biden Laptop Major media outlets and intelligence figures labeled the New York Post story "Russian disinformation." Trump and allies pushed it as real. It was later authenticated. Classic example of him refusing to let their suppression narrative stand and turning it into proof of media/intelligence collusion. 2020: Juneteenth Timing (Tulsa Rally) Trump had scheduled a major post-COVID rally in Tulsa for June 19 (Juneteenth). After backlash, he moved it to June 20 "out of respect," then held it anyway the next day. He also claimed credit for making Juneteenth "very famous." Early example of calendar timing around the holiday. 2020–2021: Abraham Accords & Middle East Deals Announced and advanced deals that cut against decades of conventional wisdom. Timed in ways that dominated news cycles during periods when opponents were focused on other narratives (COVID, election, etc.). 2025 (second term): Criticism of "Non-Working Holidays" on Juneteenth On Juneteenth itself, Trump posted about too many federal holidays costing billions, without a traditional proclamation. This directly engaged the holiday timing to push back on what he sees as excessive observances. 2026: Current Iran Deal / VI Day Timing The one you're referencing — turning the long-standing "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon" line back against the media/previous administrations while the formal elements land right on Juneteenth, creating the "erase + replace" dynamic. Summary Pattern Trump is unusually skilled at: Identifying when opponents/media have over-invested in a narrative as a weapon. Refusing to play defense on their terms. Either co-opting the language or relentlessly exposing the distortion/hypocrisy. Using timing (announcements, rallies, posts) to crowd out or contrast with cultural moments they want to own. This is one of the consistent threads in how he operates — narrative jujitsu + calendar dominance.

President Donald J. Trump has courageously penetrated behind their lines and commandeered the enemy's most powerful and destructive device—"Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon"—and turned it back on them. They have no defense against it. The same phrase, uttered countless times for over four decades to corral and control the hapless multitudes, must now be endlessly echoed in the mainstream media, like a broken record—only now it will expose and undo them. Adding absolutely EPIC insult to injury in two days he will ereplace (erase+replace) their nonsense "Juneteenth" for VI (Victory over Iran) Day!

As we step into mid-June 2026, with longer days and the gentle hum of summer routines settling in, many hearts carry quiet burdens. Work deadlines pile up, family schedules grow complicated, and the constant stream of news about global shifts can leave us feeling unsettled. In these moments, Psalm 34:8 offers a tender invitation that feels made for right now: "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed are those who take refuge in him." Tasting and seeing is not about distant theory but about real, lived experience. It means slowing down enough to notice the small mercies that appear even on ordinary days. Perhaps it is the unexpected text from a friend that arrives exactly when loneliness creeps in, or the way sunlight filters through your kitchen window during a rushed breakfast. These are not coincidences; they are gentle reminders that God’s goodness is near and accessible. For those navigating heavier seasons—whether health concerns, financial pressure, or the ache of strained relationships—this verse becomes an anchor. Taking refuge does not mean ignoring problems; it means bringing them into the safe presence of a loving God who promises blessing to those who hide in Him. In a world that often feels noisy and uncertain, this refuge offers peace that steadies the soul and renews hope for tomorrow. Today, wherever you find yourself, pause and taste. Let the goodness of the Lord refresh your spirit and remind you that you are held. You do not walk alone. #FearNot220 #154of220 #Catholic

Beloved brethren in the Lord, from the sacred ambo I proclaim to you this day the ancient oracle of Jeremiah the prophet, uttered in the sixth century before the Incarnation amid the clash of empires: '...fear not; be not dismayed...' (Jeremiah 46:27). In those turbulent days, when Nebuchadnezzar’s hosts pressed upon Egypt—the proud land that once enslaved our fathers—the Lord addressed the remnant of Jacob, scattered yet beloved, promising deliverance from the sword that would devour Pharaoh’s allies. Historical context reveals a people exiled in foreign soil, tempted to despair as nations rose and fell like waves of the sea. Yet the divine voice echoes the same assurance given to Abraham, to Moses at the Red Sea, and to David in the wilderness of persecution. As the holy Chrysostom expounds in his homilies on the incomprehensibility of God, fear is the child of unbelief, while trust is the mother of courage; the prophet’s words bid us lift our eyes from earthly tumults to the unchanging throne of the Most High. Origen, in his commentaries on the prophets, discerns here a prefigurement of the spiritual Egypt from which Christ our Lord has liberated the Church, calling us not to be dismayed by the principalities of this age but to abide in the peace that surpasses understanding. St. Augustine, in the City of God, contrasts the fleeting security of Babylon and Egypt with the eternal Jerusalem, where no sword terrifies and no exile endures. The Catena of the Fathers gathers these voices to teach that dismay arises when the soul forgets its heavenly citizenship; instead, we are to rest in the promise that He who scattered Israel shall gather her again, even as He gathers the Church from every nation. Let the faithful therefore cast aside the anxieties of the present age—wars, famines, and the persecutions that afflicted the early martyrs—and cling to the hope that animated the apostles in the Upper Room. For the same Lord who spoke through Jeremiah has confirmed His word in the blood of the New Covenant, assuring us that perfect love casts out fear. Thus, O flock of Christ, fear not; be not dismayed, for the Lord is with us as a mighty warrior. #FearNot220 #FearNotUNPLUGGED #086of220 #Catholic