OUR SUNDAY’S IN JULY

We came to Church this past weekend mindful that it was the Fourth of July weekend. Across the nation there are always many festivities that include picnics, concerts, grilling out with the neighbors and almost everywhere fireworks. It is a great national celebration. As we celebrate we might give mind to this – only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you – Jesus Christ and the American soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom!

It might be good to ponder who we are, especially in the context of exercising our religious liberty. We might consider: We are the largest nation of Christians in the world, but are we the largest Christian nation? This question is not about numbers, it is a question about how well we Christians live our faith and offer it to the service of all citizens.

Our original Pledge of Allegiance did not include the familiar, yet now controversial phrase, “under God”. That became official on Flag Day 1954 and since then there have been innumerable court cases challenging that phrase. So what does this mean for our Scriptures? Do we as Christians believe that we are living “under God”? Ultimately a nation made up of individuals – if we were to live “under God”, it would be the greatest gift our faith can make to our nation.

In 1951, the Knights of Columbus began a campaign to include those words “under God”. Although they have not received direct credit for getting “under God” added to the pledge, today, the Knights have made another change to the Pledge they recite. They pledge their belief in “ Liberty and Justice for all, both born and unborn.” While “under God” has become controversial, if we would live under God, the phrase would be honored. The Knights are again trying to put Catholic faith at the service of the nation. Perhaps we should all try.

We must be careful that we not become complacent and overly familiar with both God and our country that we become incapable of hearing Him.

The Most Rev. John P. Walzer, D.D.
Archbishop