Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
God Bless America!
I grew up celebrating the 4th of July by going to family gatherings, wearing red, white, and blue, and enjoying fireworks, good food, and lots of fun. We all shared a love of country.
I still love America, but today I am often confused by what happens here, the hateful things shared on social media, and most of all by the random acts of violence that seem to happen daily. I remember a kinder people, a better homeland.
This year, we are celebrating our country’s 250th Anniversary. I am hoping this will be a time of renewed commitment to the kind of freedom God calls us to. I think this can be an opportunity to restore our country to greatness through living, loving, and surrendering to God all that we are, all that we have, and all that we could be.
We celebrate freedom and liberty, not as the world defines it but as God defines it. Saint Pope John Paul II said, “True freedom is achieved in the total gift of self to God and to others.” Jesus himself said to those who believed in Him, ‘… If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ John 8:31b-32
Finally, remembering the two great commandments that sum up all others, ‘You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.’ Luke 10:27b
What would America look like if each of us allowed the love God showers on us to spill over into love of our neighbor? Children would not go hungry. Families would benefit from the care received by neighbors, their church, and even their own extended families.
We cannot change ourselves or our country or even the world overnight, but we can begin. Love means willing the good of the other. Love builds upon love. We can reach out beyond our own homes and churches to change neighborhoods and cities. When we love others, they in turn can begin to change also. Every interaction can cause a reaction of love. We can change, one person at a time.
As we celebrate freedom, let us determine to do what God asks of us so that the love God has for each of us can begin to transform God’s world according to His desire.
Blessings,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35