Two weeks ago in my Editor’s Desk column, I asked, “Will we go to war with Iran or won’t we?” A few hours later, we found out: we will. I’ve been clear that I believe this war (and yes, it is a war) does not satisfy the conditions of Just War Theory. Further, America’s involvement is primarily fueled by heretical Protestant beliefs about the End Times. I realize many Crisis readers support this war, but it’s my strong belief that Catholics should oppose it both for both political and religious reasons. Regardless of your views, however, we should all pray for peace, especially through the intercession of Blessed Karl.

Blowback is all-too-common yet all-too-ignored when it comes to military actions. Osama bin Laden stated openly that the reason for 9/11 was his opposition to America’s first Iraq War and its continuing military presence in the Middle East. Now we already see blowback from this new war: a Lebanese man who recently lost family members in an Israeli attack in Lebanon drove his truck into a Detroit-area synagogue. Fortunately, no innocents were harmed (only the attacker was killed). This is just one of the consequences of war: it can create enemies even in our own midst.

I haven’t been on X as much lately, but I did have the “honor” of being reposted by Senator Ted Cruz recently. Well, more accurately, he reposted a post of someone criticizing me. I noted that “Christian Zionism, fueled by Sola Scriptura, has deadly consequences,” and the popular account “Insurrection Barbie” replied, “Once you see it you can’t unsee it. These people are telling you reading the Bible has deadly consequences. Wake up America. This was never about Israel,” which Senator Cruz reposted. Of course, that’s not what I was saying, but one can’t expect a country build on Protestant (and therefore sola scriptura) foundations to understand that saying not everyone has authority to interpret the Bible does not mean that we should not read the Bible. Having Ted Cruz against me is nice, but I’ll know I’ve really arrived when Ben Shapiro goes after me…

The SSPX still plan to consecrate bishops this summer, which could lead to the formal excommunication of the consecrating bishops and the priests consecrated. I’m still hopeful something can be worked out, and it’s good to see one of the world’s holiness and best bishops, Bishop Athanasius Schneider, is working to reconcile the Vatican with the Society. Even if you don’t support the SSPX, you should be praying for His Excellency’s efforts, for in this time of crisis, Church officials should be embracing Catholics serious about their Faith, not pushing them away.

In a world of conflict and division, what can we do resolve today’s crises? Podcast more? Post on social media more? Argue with our friends more? How about: Go to Mass more. It might seem simplistic, but Mass is our greatest weapon in the spiritual battles of our age (or any age). But it’s important that we understand the true purpose of the Mass, or we could be undermining the graces it produces.