By Father Casey
For many of us, this Fourth of July will include a bit less anxiety and a bit more joy than last year. We haven’t left the cloud of the pandemic behind, and we still need many millions more Americans to be vaccinated before our society can safely return to “normal,” but it’s likely that you will enjoy a gathering or event this year that didn’t happen last year. I hope you have fun, I hope you stay safe, and I hope, if you haven’t already, you’ll get vaccinated soon as a patriotic sacrifice for the sake of others.
I also hope that, even as we resume some of those great Independence Day traditions, we will remember that the best way to make a holiday holy is to pray. Last year I offered a litany to guide our prayers on the Fourth of July, and I want to share it with you again. It recognizes those aspects of our national life that fill me with gratitude, and also those aspects of our national life that need change. We can and should pray for both, because to do only one or the other is disingenuous. None of us are only our best or worst attributes, and that goes for our nation, too.
Our true citizenship is in heaven, but let us ask for God’s blessing and mercy upon this nation we call home.
For the founding virtues of liberty and justice for all,
I thank you, Lord.
That we would do more to ensure the “all” really does mean all.
Lord, have mercy.
For the rule of law and guaranteed rights,
I thank you, Lord.
That our leaders would administer all laws equally and honorably,
Lord, have mercy.
For the way we’ve been a land of opportunity to many escaping cruelty and oppression,
I thank you, Lord.
That our borders would remain open to all who yearn to breathe free today,
Lord, have mercy.
For representative democracy and the opportunity to elect our leaders,
I thank you, Lord.
That the ability of all citizens to vote will never be obstructed,
Lord, have mercy.
For the innumerable people who’ve escaped poverty and prospered here,
I thank you, Lord.
That we would not rest until none live in poverty,
Lord, have mercy.
For the skill, innovation, and diligence of our citizenry,
I thank you, Lord.
That we would ensure all workers are paid a fair, living wage,
Lord, have mercy.
For movements against injustice and the positive changes they have caused,
I thank you, Lord.
That we would root out all forms of injustice from our common life.
Lord, have mercy.
For the way we’ve been a melting pot of ethnicities and cultures,
I thank you, Lord.
That we would repent from the lingering effects of racism and white supremacy,
Lord, have mercy.
For the beauty and richness of our lands and waters,
I thank you, Lord.
That we would more vigorously protect those resources from greed and exploitation.
Lord, have mercy.
For public works like schools, libraries, and parks,
I thank you, Lord.
That we would dedicate more spaces for the enjoyment of all.
Lord, have mercy.
For the heroism of those who’ve risked much to defend our liberties,
I thank you, Lord.
That we would honor veterans with more than words,
Lord, have mercy.
Almighty God, we thank you for the establishment of our nation upon principles of liberty and equality; give us a zeal for justice, so we may not rest until all experience the same freedoms; send your Spirit to heal the hatred and division that threatens our common life; and help us to always remember that our true citizenship is in heaven; where you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.