The only true freedom, the only freedom that can truly satisfy, is the freedom to do what we ought as human beings created by God according to his plan. It is the freedom to live the truth of what we are and who we are before God, the truth of our identity as children of God, as brothers and sisters in common humanity.

 

—Pope St. John Paul II from his meeting with President Reagan on September 10, 1987

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

May the Lord give you His peace!

As this month of July began with the annual celebration of Independence Day, I offer for our reflection the above quotation from Pope St. John Paul II. He reminds us that true freedom is not license to define reality any way we choose, to do whatever we please whenever we please. True freedom consists in discerning what is God’s design and then choosing to live our lives in conformity with His law, His plan.

The Collect (Opening Prayer) for the Mass on July 4^th in dioceses of the United States reads:

“Father of all nations and ages,
we recall the day when our country
claimed its place among the families 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,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.”


Your brother and servant in the Lord,

Deacon Dave, O.F.S.
Assistant to the Pastor