A Note from Our Pastor: One Nation Under God

One Nation Under God: Celebrating 250 Years This Fourth of July weekend, our nation begins the celebration of a remarkable milestone: the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. For a quarter of a millennium, our country has journeyed through times of triumph and tragedy, prosperity and hardship, division and reconciliation. We give thanks for the countless women and men who have sacrificed to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. As Catholics, however, our patriotism is always rooted in something even deeper than our love for country. We recognize that every nation ultimately stands under the providence of Almighty God. While governments rise and fall, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). Our first citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and precisely because of that, we are called to be faithful, responsible, and charitable citizens here on earth. The founders of our nation spoke often of rights that come not from governments but from our Creator. Those words remind us that human dignity is not granted by any law or political party. Every human life—from conception to natural death—is sacred because each person is created in the image and likeness of God. The anniversary of our nation is more than an occasion for fireworks and celebrations. It is also an opportunity for reflection. We can ask ourselves: Have we used our freedoms wisely? Have we worked to build a society marked by justice, compassion, truth, and respect for every human person? Have we cared for the poor, welcomed the stranger, defended the vulnerable, and sought peace among one another? Freedom is one of God's greatest gifts, but authentic freedom is never simply the ability to do whatever we want. As St. Paul reminds us, "For freedom Christ has set us free" (Galatians 5:1). True freedom enables us to choose what is good, to love generously, and to serve others selflessly. As we begin this year-long commemoration of America's 250th birthday, may we recommit ourselves not only to being good citizens but also faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Our nation needs people of faith whose lives reflect integrity, hope, mercy, and charity. May we continue to be a light in our communities and instruments of God's peace.