Happy Independence Day weekend! In our celebration of our nation’s 246th birthday, let us thank God for leading us as a nation to grow in justice and freedom in so many ways. But let us also pray for God’s continued grace and guidance to grow in justice and freedom where this is still a work in progress. Many people and groups have expressed in recent years that they are and have been unjustly treated in our country, and I agree with many of them. Although our nation of justice and freedom was founded 246 years ago, and our nation has generally grown in justice and freedom since that time, we are still a work in progress. And it is our task as the current stewards of these United States of America to continue to do all that we can to work for greater justice and freedom in our nation and in our world.
In that spirit, I hope that all people of good will and authentic patriotism can unite in praying the opening prayer set out for the Mass on Independence Day:
Father of all nations and ages,
we recall the day when our country
claimed its place among the family 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 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.