July 5 and July 6

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

From Deacon Dick~

This weekend, as we celebrate Independence Day, we are grateful for our freedom as a nation and as individuals.  Our common understanding of freedom conjures up notions of legal and political rights, civil and political liberty, and personal freedom.  As members of a democratic society, we enjoy the right to choose in various aspects of our lives.  Norman Rockwell put it well as he described his Four Freedoms:  Freedom of Speech … Freedom to Worship … Freedom from Want … Freedom from Fear.  We thank God for the individuals who sacrificed their lives so that we may celebrate and live in this freedom.

As Christians, our understanding of freedom goes much deeper than our common understanding.  The United States Catechism for Adults (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops) teaches that “human freedom is more than a capacity to choose between this and that.  It is the God-given power to become who God created us to be and so to share eternal union with God.  This happens when we consistently choose ways that are in harmony with God’s plan … Ultimately, human freedom lies in our free decision to say ‘yes’ to God.”  One of my theology professors put it this way:  “Most simply, freedom is the power to devise practical and effective ways of being there for the neighbor.  In St. Paul’s words, “we have been freed to serve each other in love.”

So, as we celebrate our freedom this weekend, may we be deeply aware that our freedom ultimately comes from God who has fashioned us to become the people God calls us to be.  As St. Francis of Assisi said:  “I am who I am in God, nothing more and nothing less.”  What better reason to celebrate!!