Good morning. There are in this country, even amongst our highest leaders, those that discard the idea that this country was founded upon Christian ethics and ideals, and even more so that we should not refer to Christianity as the means to govern ourselves. Of course any learned person knows that our country's foundational laws and charters are rooted in scripture. In the Declaration of Independence, our Founding Fathers acknowledged God as our country's Divine Protector.
It seems rather ironic that today’s Gospel reading for the birthday of our nation is from the Book of Matthew and that it suggests to us that in order for us to have justice, we must reject evil. As I contemplate today the freedoms we enjoy as a country I can’t help but be greatly concerned over the growing tide of relativism and the disregard for individual freedom of thoughts and actions. There are those who in the cause of presumably serving the common good do not hesitate to run roughshod over the will of the people. Such unrestricted power presents a very serious and grave danger to those freedoms and the way of life we celebrate today.
Today we likewise recall the life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, an individual who offers an example for all of living life with meaning and purpose driven by a firm belief in God. He died on July 4 1925 and he was beatified by Pope John Paul II on May 20, 1990.
Religious freedom is the foundation of the American experience and as we celebrate the 236th birthday of our country it is under threat. As we celebrate our country’s founding this July 4th let us look to the recent words of Archbishop Chaput: “Religious freedom isn’t a privilege granted by the state. It’s our birthright as children of God. And even the worst bigotry can’t kill it in the face of a believing people. But if we value it and want to keep it, then we need to become people worthy of it. Which means we need to change the way we live – radically change, both as individual Catholics and as the Church.” May it be so. God bless America. Make a great day!
Today we recall the good life, gifts, and work of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
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