Beloved Family:
Those who read my article in last week’s bulletin remember me addressing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and my experiences in the bicentennial year in Philadelphia. This edition may seem a bit redundant; however, the fact of the matter is that this is actually “July 4th Weekend.” I hope that many will have had the opportunity to gather with family and other loved ones, to celebrate the occasion and to pause to reflect on the gift of freedom and our collective responsibility to guard its fragility.
The following is one of the prayer options for the Collect (Opening Prayer) on Independence Day at Mass:
Father of all nations and ages, we recall the day when our country claimed its place among the family of nations; for what has been achieved we give you thanks, for the work that still remains we ask your help, and as you have called us from many peoples to be one nation, grant that, under your providence, our country may share your blessings with all the peoples of the earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Roman Missal
Let us unpack this prayer a bit. First of all, the idea that we have a place among the family of nations reminds us that as marvelous it is to be an American citizen, we are meant to recognize the importance of relating ourselves to people of other countries and continents. Building from there, the prayer indicates that while much has been accomplished for good over the generations, there is plenty for us still to do, moving forward, on behalf of upholding the good of fellow citizens, knowing that ultimately, “… our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20, NRSV)
Next, it acknowledges that the very composition of the United States is—and always has been—comprised largely of persons with roots elsewhere. Finally, any blessings we have are not meant to be hoarded but distributed in His Spirit.
Here is another prayer resource, taken from the Saint Michael Center website (saintmichaelusa.org):
Lord, we stand today as our forefathers have stood before You in times gone by, Celebrating our history and revelling in all the great things that our country has achieved. On this day we rejoice in the favor You have graciously given us. We thank You for the blessings of liberty, for this generation and for the generations to come.
We thank You for our independence, peace and for all those who have bravely given their lives in the defence of freedom and justice. We thank You that Your gracious and provident hand has given us so much.
Yet as a nation and people we have not always chosen the right way. We ask You to forgive us for these times. On this day we commit ourselves to wholeheartedly honoring and serving You. With everything that we are, we lay our lives before You. Make us a generous people, A holy nation, A people set aside to love You forever, For the sake of the land of the brave and free, And the peoples and nations of this world.
Today, we do not presume Your grace for our country. Our land is in need of You, Our people are in need of You, Our industry and business is in need of You. May we look only to You This Independence Day, dependent on You. Please come now by Your glorious Holy Spirit, Breathe new life into the sinews of this nation. May justice flow like rivers, And righteousness like a never failing stream, Until the whole of our country is covered with Your glory, As the waters cover the sea. We ask all this in the wonderful name of Jesus, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit. One God, now and for all eternity. Amen.
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
