We are aware that religious freedom was uniquely enshrined in the vision of our country by our Founding Fathers. Religious freedom is a central element of the ‘American experiment’ as Rome has oftentimes referred to the United States since 1776. Even Blessed Pope John Paul II referred to the United States as the ‘American Experiment,’ when praising it, saying that in the United States, “the vast majority of Americans, regardless of their religious persuasion, are convinced that religious conviction and religiously informed moral argument have a vital role in public life.”
At Mass today we more specifically pray for the preservation of peace and justice in our nation. We pray for unity and harmony between all those who live here, that we may be a society where justice, peace and charity triumph.
The message of the prophet Amos this morning reminds us of a key point as we stand up for our religious convictions and pray for our society: “Seek good and not evil, that you may live. Then truly will the Lord, the God of Hosts, be with you as you claim.”
We must be guided by our quest for what is Good.
The transformation of society begins with the transformation of the heart. One heart at a time must seek good and not evil, this way each heart will live fully and God will dwell in it. Some say this takes too long, we want immediate results, yet conversion happens one heart at a time, conversion is one individual heart having a personal encounter with the Living God.
At times like these, some folks feel lost and confused, some despair and lose hope. Many ask, “What will happen?” “In what direction is our nation going?” “What will happen to the Church?” “Why so many enemies?”
In all this, we must remember Jesus Christ has already won the victory. There will be battles, there will be trails, there will be persecution and hatred for our message, but in all this, victory is guaranteed.
Sometimes we naively get shocked at the troubles the Church faces in society. Our duty is to stand firm knowing that not even the powers of hell will prevail over the Church of Christ. History gives evidence to this, Sacred Scripture confirms it.
So we gather today to pray not in despair or having lost hope, but rather with joyful and grateful hearts knowing that Our Good God has already won the victory and allows to share in his eternal victory over evil.
“Seek good and not evil, and you shall live.” May the Lord aid us in our quest for what is good, that His light may shine in us so we may become an instrument to convert the world and bring more souls to Christ.
May our nation on its independence day reaffirm its founding principle of religious freedom, that we may continue practicing our faith freely and without fear.
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