Fireworks brighten the skies across America as we celebrate our Independence Day, first declared in 1776. In Rwanda on this same day, the 19th anniversary of liberation from the three month genocide which took the lives of over a million people, is being marked by parades, speeches and general celebration, perhaps even fireworks. There certainly is something to celebrate when the human spirit frees itself from oppression, be it overt or subtle. Long ago, the Israelites fled through the Red Sea to escape the oppression of Pharoah, an event which previewed the ultimate liberation from from the reign of sin by the death and resurrection of Jesus. Our liberty, our freedom, is sacred because it comes from God and is intended for all. We have often failed in acknowledging this basic truth, but a reading of our Declaration of Independence today, would help us to again appreciate this gift and this right. The US Conference of Bishops has given us a prayer that might help us appreciate more deeply what we celebrate, and the need to work for the complete ideal:
Almighty God, Father of all nations,
you have set us free in Christ Jesus (Gal 5:1).
We praise and bless you for the gift of religious liberty, the foundtion of human rights, justice and the common good..
Grant to our leaders the wisdom to protect and promote our liberties.
By you grace may we have the courage to defend them for ourselves and for all those who live in this blessed land,.
We ask this through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, our patroness, and the in the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit with whom you live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Happy Fouth of July!
Bro. Rene
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