The Most Amazing Freedom
As we celebrate the 245th anniversary of our country’s independence by flying high our red, white, and blue, watching parades, and enjoying picnics, we are reminded of the exceptional liberty we enjoy here in the United States. The Sacred Scriptures proclaim another kind of freedom, one that is even more profound and amazing than the freedoms guaranteed by the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. In Ephesians 3:12 we read: “In Christ and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” For in Christ, every human person can draw near to God, expressing not only your joys, but also your sorrows, not only your confidence in Him, but also your doubt, not only your pleasure, but also your anger. This is an amazing freedom that no one can take away.
Throughout the ages, countless martyrs of our Catholic faith have given shining witness to this profound truth. In spite of being stripped of all human freedom and tortured in body and spirit, their trust and love for the Lord grew even stronger. This was clearly manifested by their joyful surrender of their very lives into the loving arms of their Lord and Savior.
This freedom to draw near to God can easily be taken for granted, just as the freedoms we enjoy in our democracy can be held too lightly. Since we are used to praying to God at any time, in any place, and with any words, we can forget the stunning nature of our access to God which no human person can take from us. Ponder this in your heart. The God who created the universe, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, the God of all wisdom and justice, this God invites you to speak your mind, share your thoughts, your feelings, your fears, and your dreams with Him. However, even more amazing is the fact that not only can we approach Him in our prayer, but we are blessed that God Himself comes to us through His Son in the Holy Eucharist. Blessed be God forever!
As we celebrate this day, let us remember to raise our hearts in profound thanksgiving to our AMAZING GOD!
Gracious God, we thank You for the liberty You have bestowed on us as citizens of the United States. Help us to use this freedom for the good of all. We also praise and thank You for the most amazing gift, the freedom to participate in Mass and receive Your precious Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist, as well as to approach You in prayer, to tell You everything on our minds and hearts without fear but in confidence. What precious, wonderful gifts You have given us! May we never take these most amazing freedoms for granted. Amen.
God love and bless you!
Sr. Kathleen Fitzpatrick, IHM