Use Our Freedom Well


 

Of all the homes in my wonderful neighborhood, there is one that is guaranteed to make me smile each time I pass. This family marks every holiday and special occasion with a unique display. On my walk, our friendly neighborhood dinosaur reminds me that it is July 4th.
The streets are lined with American flags, block after block. There will be cookouts and parties and lots of giggling kids in swimming pools. Hopefully, there will be a few moments throughout the day when we all think on both the blessings and the challenges of our moment in American history.
We live in terribly divided times. It seems that each of our political factions think only in terms of “winning”. Winning, not only in terms of elections, but in every detail of opinion and practice. It seems that what we have lost sight of in these times is the idea of our country “winning”, of solutions and decisions that move us all forward in the pursuit of the highest of our ideals. This is my prayer for this July 4th, that we reclaim our lost sense of the common good.
The apostle Paul writes of freedom, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” May the celebration of this day raise our eyes to higher aspirations. May we see the great power for good our freedom affords us. May we use our freedom well.
Peace.

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