Reason why so many Catholics have a dim view of their Church!
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July 4th, a holiday among holidays where Christ is most veered
In our nation, the United States of America, so many observations of days proclaiming freedom are a vital part of life here.
Threats to freedom; The exercise of freedom does not imply a right to say or do everything. It is false to maintain that man, “the subject of this freedom,” is “an individual who is fully self-sufficient and whose finality is the satisfaction of his own interests in the enjoyment of earthly goods.” Moreover, the economic, social, political, and cultural conditions that are needed for a just exercise of freedom are too often disregarded or violated. Such situations of blindness and injustice injure the moral life and involve the strong as well as the weak in the temptation to sin against charity. By deviating from the moral law man violates his own freedom, becomes imprisoned within himself, disrupts neighborly fellowship, and rebels against divine truth. (CCC 1740).
As relatives, friends, or others who share what this day really means, the excitement of a special moment in a free country should send chills up and down our spines knowing that God is behind all of our freedoms. Besides the picnics, ball games, and fireworks at night will remind each person that there is something deeper here than a day free from stress.
So much music, marching bands, and a time to yell “We are free, Thank God.” Of course there are right now factions that might upset the freedoms we enjoy with another pending war before our peaceful stance. The war of 1776 and those that followed are grim reminders that all is not peace at any cost. We may have to fall-in again as a nation and defend anarchy from foreign manipulating events that put the 4th of July at a quest to become patriots and make a mark on history.
In the meantime, please play and pray that this holiday ends with the peace of God and the presence of Jesus Christ at each table for hot dogs and salads, and with us on the lawns as fireworks end the day with the sign of bombs making the twilight come alive of freedoms ringing.
Ralph B. Hathaway
I am an ordained deacon with the Diocese of Pittsburgh, since June 8, 1974. My current ministry is concentrated on writing spiritual reflections and poetry. I am married, with one grown daughter, and 4 grandchildren. I retired from the electrical industry after 58 years as an electrician, contractor, teacher in trade schools, and electrical inspector with a PA State license
