This July 4th, let us recall the ideals of the Founders of our nation who were able to articulate the philosophy in which our nation is to be anchored. This philosophy very much aligns with what Jesus preached and what the Catholic Church continues to teach, that 1) all men are created equal; 2) that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; 3) among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; 4) and that governments are instituted to secure these rights (Preamble to the Declaration of Independence).

We are still working to be the people and the society that Jesus has called us to be this July 4, 2024. However, we have made progress. We need to continue in our journey toward becoming a closer image of Jesus. First, we are able to celebrate and do many of the celebratory things we enjoy and honor on this July 4th, we can come together as a family to thank God for creating us equal and for enshrining our rights and liberty in our nation’s Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

The challenge has always been and will always be: how do we stay true to the spirit of these great historical documents?

Better yet, how can we be better brothers, sisters, and friends to one another as Jesus would want us?  

Fr. Mike Ronayne