Parish Bulletin Article: "Happy Independence!"

Parish Bulletin Article: "Happy Independence!": 7-5-20

Happy 4th of July for the United States of America and July 1st for our northern neighbors in Canada!
I may have written this last year, but I recommend readings these again:
·      “In Congress, July 4th, 1776…
‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.’”
    Let’s not forget history, both the good and the bad.  And, never forget the men who put their lives on the line as they may have been killed by signing the Declaration of Independence (56 delegates from the 13 colonies).  As our country began, here are the last words they wrote:
·      “…that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
    While we are very blessed in the United States of America, even as our country is not perfect, we must never forget how fortunate we may seek “Life, Liberty, and Happiness”!  We must continue to serve our brothers and sisters, our neighbors, those who are hungry, thirsty, naked, lonely, in jail, in hospitals, and those who have passed away. 
May we follow God’s love to be in the “City of God” versus the “City of the World” (ex. “The City of God” written by St. Augustine 426 AD).  As God’s Kingdom is around the globe, may we pray for our men and women who serve our country in the military branches, and all of our sons and daughters of God’s family around the planet.
God Bless and have a safe, wonderful weekend!​