Pastor's Weekly Corner
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29 June 2008
As we celebrate the 232nd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we rejoice in our nation’s history, democracy, prosperity and promise. We have endured many difficulties in the past, and the present is likewise a trying time for us.
Our economy is pretty shaky; can you believe how the price of gasoline has shot up? I dread the thought of heating bills come winter!
We are still consumed in a desperate struggle against terrorism and a war with the enemies of democracy in Afghanistan and Iraq, though we are finally seeing some signs of success in both theatres. We are still alarmed by the threat of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of despotic states like North Korea and Iran; and wonder how we should respond when despots like those who rule Burma/Myanmar and Zimbabwe rob their own citizens of their rights and dignity, and won’t even let aid agencies come to their assistance in a time of calamity.
But we have survived worse struggles in the past, and have overcome them. We have learned many lessons along the way, and there are still others left to learn. Many of our own people still suffer the effects of racism and other forms of social and economic injustice, particularly immigrants, which is sad because we are and have always been a nation of immigrants.
Yet great strides have been made. For the first time in our history a major political party is about to nominate the first person of African descent to be President. The first woman to be elected Speaker of the House of Representatives assumed office just a couple of years ago; another was nearly nominated to the Presidency. And if elected in November, the other presumptive nominee for the Presidency would be the oldest ever to assume office. This proves that as a nation we are overcoming all forms of discrimination little by little; too slowly for some, but still moving in the right direction.
Despite the hedonism and self-centeredness that can be found in our culture, the overwhelming number of us believe in God and the necessity of the basic moral code He has given us to follow. And follow it we do, as we are the most generous nation on earth. Otherwise, would we ever hear an American complain, “Why don’t we take care of our own, instead of always opening our hands to help others?”
It is said that we are not a Christian nation. Perhaps, but our founding ideals as outlined in the Declaration of July 4, 1776 by our overwhelmingly (but not exclusively) Christian founding ancestors are deeply rooted in the truth that comes in the Gospel: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator (note the capital C) with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life (the right to life! Imagine that! Think about that!), liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Jesus Himself couldn’t have said it better! Happy Fourth of July, everyone!
LET’S GO PHILLIES AND SURF!!
In His Love, Fr. Mike