From Father Joe

On this Fourth of July Weekend, as we celebrate our Nation's 250th birthday, we focus on our Founding Fathers. They were brave men who risked everything, including their lives, to establish our independence. They were prominent, learned statesmen of various perspectives. Most of the 56 signers were Protestants, with a few Deists and one Roman Catholic, reflecting a mix of orthodox Christianity and Enlightenment-influenced beliefs.

The prominent designer of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, delved into his own religious project, known as the Jefferson Bible. Using a razor and glue in 1820, he removed all references in the New Testament to miracles, the resurrection, the virgin birth and any portrayal of Jesus as Divine. Thus, emphasizing only the moral teachings of Jesus as a man and philosopher.

In our Gospel today, Jesus prays in thanksgiving for God has made Himself known through Jesus, and in knowing Jesus, we come to know the Father. In Jesus' life and in His person, God reveals Himself to us. Jesus reproaches people who have witnessed His mighty deeds yet still lack belief. Unlike the learned and wise but unbelieving Pharisees, the disciples of Jesus are the "little ones" who possess faith.

The New Testament was written by men who were either witnesses to the miraculous presence of Christ or were filled with faith because of Him. St. Paul was one of the latter who testifies that the pinnacle of our faith is our belief in Christ's resurrection. That Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is shared with His disciples "who labor and are burdened."

We the people are privileged to recognize our God given rights and follow our conscience in faith. Living in an even more pluralistic society then did our Founding Fathers, our faith may be challenged today. We are reminded in our scripture readings, this weekend, that the Gospel of Christ is more than a standard of ethics or philosophical approach. The ages are full of such thoughts. Jesus, Himself, praises the unique honor bestowed upon Him to allow us to know and experience God.