Christianity and Independence. Perhaps at first glance they seem unrelated. After all, Christians know we are dependent on God for our every breath. On the other hand, independence is nothing if not an I’ll-do-it-myself notion.
But as I was pondering the upcoming Fourth of July holiday this morning, something else occurred to me that linked these two events in an unexpected (or perhaps overlooked) way.
Certainly both repre
sent man’s freedom from tyranny. America’s independence rejected the tyranny of British rule. The death and resurrection of Christ defeated the tyranny of Satan and the powers of darkness.
The men and women who lived through these times were set apart by their unshakeable belief in their cause, whether it be the notion that all men were created equal or the promise of eternal life. So much so that each was willing to give all for the cause, up to and includ
ing their own lives.
The signers of the Declaration of Independence likewise paid a high price for their commitment to the cause of freedom. A handful were captured and brutally tortured by the British. Some lost their farms and gristmills, homes and possessions. One died in rags. Others were forced to stay on the move, never again able to settle in one location for fear of being captured by the British troops that tracked them. Much like the Apostles, they believed in the cause of freedom and the Republic they were creating. They mutually pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor for the cause in which they so strongly believed.
Eleven of the 12 apostles were brutally martyred in a variety of ways, to include being stoned to death, beheaded, flayed, crucified upside-down, sawn in half and stabbed to death.
Such strength and courage—such faith—is in short supply these days. Many would maintain that the world has outgrown the need for both religion and freedom—that comfort and convenience are today’s gold standard.
One quick look a
t the news is evidence that the world at large has gone mad, with America leading the way. God has been replaced by the seven deadly sins on steroids while the chains of tyranny have slowly taken root over the years.
If ever there was a time to return to God, it most certainly would be now. I often wonder, though. Is it too late? Have things gone too far. Will we soon face a great chastisement? Only God knows.
In the meantime, we still have the examples of the Apostles and America’s founders. All of them knew God was in charge. All of them knew without God, their cause was for naught.
They also knew that with God, nothing is impossible. As we ponder America’s future this Fourth of July, may we hold on to that promise and walk into the future with the same unshakeable faith—may we commit unabashedly to and maintain an unshakeable faith in God. May we speak up when it’s needed, even when facing the scorn and ridicule of those intent on shutting us down. And may we be ever vigilant in our defense of the things we treasure most: God, family, country.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us and these United States of America!
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