Every day I will bless you;
I will praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD and worthy of much praise,
whose grandeur is beyond understanding.
One generation praises your deeds to the next
and proclaims your mighty works.
They speak of the splendor of your majestic glory,
tell of your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 145:2-5 NABRE)
For Americans, today is Independence Day. It is a day to remember the sacrifices of many who have come before us to provide us with the freedoms we enjoy. It is a day to recommit ourselves to the important work of ensuring the dignity and cherished liberty of each person in our nation.
Today, American Catholics conclude the Fortnight for Freedom, a two-week event intended to raise awareness about and encourage action to stop the current political threats to religious freedom which we now face. May we join in the prayer of our bishops and recall the greatness of God, the founding values of our nation, and the importance of religious tolerance:
Almighty God, Father of all nations,
For freedom you have set us free in Christ Jesus (Gal 5:1).
We praise and bless you for the gift of religious liberty,
the foundation of human rights, justice, and the common good.
Grant to our leaders the wisdom to protect and promote our liberties;
By your grace may we have the courage to defend them, for ourselves and for all those who live in this blessed land.
We ask this through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, our patroness,
and in the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
with whom you live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Today, I will be mindful of God's wonderful deeds.
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, peacemaker, pray for us.
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