14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dear Parishioners,
The 4th of July is a time when we not only shoot off fireworks and have picnics, but it is also a time when we reflect on the meaning of the holiday. What do we remember? We remember when a group of colonists in America decided to secede from British Empire. Why did they do this? It was prompted by a series of unjust laws and taxes which they felt they could not tolerate. The colonists tried non-violent protest (remember the Boston Tea Party). They also wrote letters of protest and other ways of not cooperating. Finally, they were driven to revolution and they declared their independence. To the Government of Britain, Americans were breaking the law so they were completely wrong. We celebrate the men and women who stood up for their ideals today even if it meant begin at odds with the law.
We need to remember that Jesus was not one to follow the law at all time. He always asked if a prescript or a law was a loving and just rule. He did not break laws lightly nor did he follow them blindly.
Those who are in the power positions in society will always appeal to the rule of law when their power is threatened. Unjust or inhumane laws should be resisted. The ideal is that we do that nonviolently at the voting booth or by other means within the law. At other times we need to find other ways to show that our consciences are being violated. In imitation of Jesus these methods should be non-violent as well. We should remember verbal violence is a form of violence. Our words must be measured and civilized.
We remember today that our mantra is not, “My country right or wrong.” Our motto should be that of the first Americans. “My country believes that all people are created equal.”
“My country believes that there needs to be liberty and justice for all.”
Blessings,
Fr. Mark