As we gather today to celebrate Independence Day, we reflect on the values and freedoms that define our nation. Today’s reading from Galatians offers us profound insights into living a life guided by the Spirit, which aligns beautifully with the principles of freedom and justice that we hold dear as Americans.
Saint Paul tells us, “For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want.” This struggle is something we all experience. It is the battle between our earthly desires and our higher calling to live according to the Spirit of God.
On this Independence Day, we are reminded that the freedom to pursue liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness—requires a deeper freedom. True freedom is pursued not in indulging our every desire but in living by the Spirit.
Our nation's founding fathers envisioned a land where liberty and justice prevail, but they also understood that true freedom requires a moral foundation. They knew that without virtue, freedom could easily devolve into chaos and self-destruction. Saint Paul warns us of the “works of the flesh,” such as immorality, impurity, jealousy, and selfishness, which lead us away from the kingdom of God. These vices not only enslave the individual but also corrode the very fabric of our society. The inevitable consequence of abusing freedom is loosing freedom. Bad habits which start out as cobwebs can end up as chains.
Rather, on this Independence Day, we renew our commitment to live by the Spirit, which brings forth the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues are the bedrock of a truly free and just society; they are the hallmarks of a life led by the Spirit, a life of true freedom. When we embody these fruits, we contribute to the common good, nurturing a nation where every person can flourish.
Living by the Spirit means more than avoiding sin; it means actively pursuing a life of virtue. It means loving our neighbors, seeking peace, showing kindness and generosity, being faithful in our commitments, practicing gentleness, and exercising self-control.
Our freedom as a nation was hard-won and is maintained through the sacrifices of many. Similarly, our spiritual freedom was purchased at a great price—through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As Paul reminds us, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires."
National freedom and the active, intentional turning away from vice and nurturing spiritual fruit are all intertwined. Which is why as Christians, we seek spiritual and moral reform for ourselves, and pray for it in our neighbors. We are to witness to them what authentic freedom looks like—a life surrendered to Christ, in which spiritual fruit is evident and abundant.
We all have a responsibility to make this country great, to build it up, and to preserve freedom. But more effective than political activism or internet arguments is your personal sanctification. You and I becoming the saints God made us to be, but turning away from vice and practicing heroic virtue, is the reform our nation needs.
The soul’s union with Christ through the Holy Spirit is the greatest defense against tyranny. For freedom of the Spirit is freedom against every earthly and spiritual evil.
May our nation be blessed, in its citizens and institutions with true moral and spiritual freedom for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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Please stand for our petitions. Our petitions this morning are those composed for the inauguration of President George Washington by Archbishop John Carroll, First Roman Catholic bishop in our country whose brother Charles Carroll was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
We pray Thee, O almighty and eternal God! Who through Jesus Christ hast revealed Thy glory to all nations ...
We pray Thee, O God of might, wisdom, and justice! Through Whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy holy spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of the United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.
We pray for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they maybe enabled, by Thy powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.
We recommend likewise, to Thy unbounded mercy, all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world can not give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.
And we pray especially for all of our countrymen who have gone before us in faith, for all those who have fought and died for our country’s freedom, for all the of the deceased members of our family and friends, and for N., for whom this Mass is offered. Hear the petitions we have thus voiced, and those we hold in the silence of our hearts. This we ask through Christ our Lord.
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