In God We Trust

In the year 1776 a nation was born, which with time recognized its dependence on the Almighty God, the Creator of heaven and earth. Dearly beloved parishioners, this is the weekend of the celebration of the Independence of this great nation, the United States of America. This year's celebration is significantly different because it is the 250th Anniversary of this Independence. This calls for gratitude to God and congratulation to all Americans and those who hold her in honor and love.

The Scriptures teaches us that God is the Father "from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name" (Ephesians 3: 15). The United States does not take its beginning from God, it is a gift from God to the world. Down through the ages, God has always chosen particular nations to fulfil some special missions in the world. He chose Israel that through her the promised Savior will be sent to the world. Egypt was chosen to preserve the nations of the world including Israel from the famine that tended to wipe humanity from the face of the earth.

At a time, the Romans served as the unity point of the world and helped to spread of the Good News of salvation. It became the seat of Christianity and has remained so until date. The Great Britain also played some important role towards the growth of the world through the Christian faith until the dispute occasioned by King Henry VIII which gave rise to the Anglican Church.

The United States of America rose like a star and with time it rose to become an instrument chosen to promote God's kingdom of peace and joy in the world. The Catholic Bishops of the United States chose to mark this 250th anniversary by consecrating the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This was done to reaffirm God's love as America's primary need and goal. The consecration calls on all Americans to appreciate their existence and their nation as gifts from God given for service. The same consecration invites all Americans to become people of the heart even as they pursue excellence in all aspects of life.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we hear the Scripture speak anew to us in strong terms, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5: 13-14).

The celebration of the 250th Independence is a moment of grace that offers every American and the nations as a whole the opportunity of reflection, appreciation and commitment to mission. Whoever is blessed is blessed to bless others. Every blessing we have and are is a call to mission. The indescribable advancements in every field of life that characterizes America is meant for the honor of God in promoting his people in the universe.

Trusting in God, we celebrate. Trusting in him we serve. Trusting in him, we live. Happy Independence to you all.

© Fr Bona. 2026.