Let us remember the freedom we cherish as a nation.

As fireworks light up the sky and the smell of barbecue fills the air, this Thursday we will come together as a nation to celebrate the Fourth of July. It is a day marked by patriotism, freedom, and the remembrance of our nation’s founding history. But for Christians and Catholics, Independence Day holds a deeper significance, intertwining faith with the principles of liberty and justice.

The Fourth of July is an opportunity to express gratitude for the freedoms we have been granted and to reaffirm our commitment to live out our faith in the public arena. It is a day to pray for our nation and its leaders, to advocate for the marginalized and oppressed, and to strive for justice and reconciliation in our communities.

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate Independence Day, let us remember the freedom we cherish as a nation. And may we use that freedom responsibly, as instruments of God’s love and grace in a world that is longing for redemption.