Rev. Edward J. PelrinePastor · St. James

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord

This weekend marks the 250th anniversary of our nation's declaration of independence from Great Britain. Thomas Paine wrote these words in December, 1776: "These are the times that try men's souls; the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph." —Thomas Paine, The American Crisis Two hundred fifty years later, we, the recipients of the sacrifice offered by the founders of our nation, celebrate their glorious triumph. As Americans, we have great challenges today, as in every age. The meaning of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are examined and explored in every era of the nation's history. I believe the starting point for us today is suggested by Psalm 33: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." To whom do we belong and under whose law do we ultimately live? Is God the source of our basic civil rights or is government the source? As we face the many challenges of our day, this is a crucial question. The prophet Joel speaks for the Lord, calling Israel back to faithfulness to God's covenant: "Yet even now," says the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." That call to faithfulness is a call to us as well. It is essential that we, as citizen of this great nation, discern well as we fulfill our responsibility to vote for candidates and parties who are faithful to God's law and the laws of nature. May God help us in this grave privilege and responsibility. God bless our nation as we celebrate this momentous anniversary.

Fr. Ed