Fourth of July

This Fourth of July Weekend is a time to celebrate.  With family and friends, we barbecue in the backyard.  The fireworks are beautiful to look at.  The loud sound, the excitement and thrill of lighting fireworks help us to enjoy the festivities of this Fourth of July, and to celebrate our nation's independence and freedom.

What is Freedom?  How do we understand freedom?  Freedom is not simply having the ability to do anything that we WANT to do.  Freedom is not doing what we FEEL like doing.  Freedom is not simply having no rules, policy or guidelines.  Freedom is not just being free of anyone telling us what to do or what not to do.  

Freedom is in accords with truth.  Christ says that the Truth will set you free.  The search for truth is innate within each person.  When we discover truth, we will have freedom.  Freedom is the offspring of truth.  

For example, it would be like my struggle with alcohol.  When I finally admit the truth that I have a problem, it is only then that I can begin the path towards recovery and freedom.  

Another example, let's say if I have cancer, and the doctor tells me that I only have 6 months left to live.  After getting over the initial shock, I'll be able to prepare myself for the end.  If the Doctor says that I have an ulcer, the flu or some other disease other than cancer, he's not completely honest and that may hinder my freedom.  So when we search for truth, we will discover the treasure of freedom.

July 4 gives us a chance to re-read the Declaration of Independence.  Interestingly, the document doesn't use the word freedom.  However, it focuses on certain truths.   It says:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Notice how our ancestors began declaring that there are self-evident truths.  It implies that after much examination, careful thought and reflection, they discover the wonderful truth.  Everyone is created equal.  Everyone has certain rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.  If any form of government or regulations that threatens these unalienable rights, it needs to be changed and abolished.

At the time, The Declaration of Independence mentions a large number of truths in which the King of Britain had done to violate these unalienable rights of individual citizens.  Because of those reasons, America found a need to declare their independence from the Tyranny.

Truth in Sacred Scriptures 

God's word today can also be understood in regards to truth.  God's word is a roadmap so that we find truths, and in finding truth we may have freedom.  

The Prophet Ezekiel, who lived during the second exile of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, and like all prophets, wanted to connect people with God.  According to the prophets, the truth is that if people don't have a connection with God, they will go astray.  

St Paul today shared a personal struggle he called a Thorn in the Flesh.  Although he doesn't name it, he discovers the truth that his struggle is meant to keep him humble and God's grace is sufficient, and God's grace is needed.  This implies that we always need God's grace.  

The Gospel passage brings us to the city of Nazareth, the hometown of Christ.  The people could not see beyond the humanity of Christ.  He is the son of Joseph the Carpenter and the son of Mary.  They could not see that he is also the Beloved Son of God.  By not accepting this truth, they could not connect with the God the Trinity, and to see God for who God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

It is easier to distinguish between what is true and what is not true.  But it is less easy to distinguish between what is true and what is half true.

The truth will set us free!  Thanks be to God as we celebrate the birth of our nation.  Happy Fourth of July Weekend!  God bless you and God bless America!