HOMILY REV. JAMES L. NADEAU JULY 4, 2021 14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
This weekend, our nation celebrates 245 years since the Founding Fathers declared their independence from England. They wrote, “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.” A chance for us to ponder who we are as a country and as individuals.
We are the largest nation of Christians in the world – but – are we the largest Christian Nation? The question is not about numbers but how well we Christians live our faith and offer it to the service of all citizens. Do the truths of our faith enter our lives? Do we bring them into the public realm? Our readings warn us not to be silent: Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith. Ezekiel is told that the people are hard of heart and rebellious.
Our Founding Fathers and our veterans who fought did so, so we can help transform society. At baptism, we are charged to go into the world, carrying the flame of faith, to bring the light of Christ to those living in darkness: the unborn, marriage, environment, needs of all, especially the poor, sick, and alone.
Our Founding Fathers and our veterans who fought did so, so we can help transform society, NOT so we can live and be silent but to live in freedom and transform our world.