13th Wednesday in Ordinary Time
Independence Day
Numbers 6:22-27; Luke 12: 15-21
We have gathered here to thank God for the blessings He has bestowed on our land. God who is abundant in mercy has granted us countless blessings that we might be bountiful towards others. Sadly, with all the blessings we have received from the open hand of God, we have become miserly in sharing them with the poor and destitute. The way to show our gratitude to God for all His blessing to us is by sharing these blessings with others. Sadly, in our greed we indulge ourselves and turn our backs on those who ask for our help.
It would be good for us to recall how our founding fathers were able by hard work and self-sacrifice to build a better future. Recalling how the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and entrusted it to us. How they lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn. As heirs to their venture, we should dedicate ourselves to the task of ushering in an era when good will shall live in the hearts of all people; when justice shall be the light to guide their feet; and when peace shall be the goal of humankind. It is urgent that we defend and preserve the dignity of all men, women and children in the pursuit of the common good. God has entrusted this honorable land to us so that we might protect the image and likeness fashioned by God on every human face.
Confronted with the reality of violent conflict, hatred and brutal atrocities, we must become ministers of hope and healing, of peace and justice. We must work to restore hope, right wrongs, maintain commitments, and thus promote the well-being of all people. We must move forward together in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity, and in that peace which the world cannot give. In order to build a nation we must recognize that we must live in communion with others.
Let us commit ourselves to treat others with the same love and compassion with which we want to be treated. Let us seek for others the same possibilities which we seek for ourselves. Let us help others to grow, as we would like to be helped ourselves. In a word, if we want security, let us offer security; if we want life, let us be willing to lay down our lives in the service of others. The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick that will be used for us. Like our forebears, let us do all we can so that future generations may inherit and dwell in a land that has inspired many people to dream of freedom.
May the Lord bless us and keep us;
May the Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us;
May the Lord turn his face toward us and give us peace.
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