Happy Independence Day!

Blessed John Paul II said, “Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” 

Today, this holy concept of freedom is being challenged from Supreme Court decisions to decisions made in our local schools and communities. In the face of it all, we can become discouraged, beleagured, and sick at heart.

Let me offer a bit of encouragement I received this morning as I offered a prayer for our country. These words are given to us by the prophet Isaiah in chapter 35. May we find in them hope for our day and time, and direction for our actions:

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,

the desert shall rejoice and blossom;

like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly,

and rejoice with joy and singing.

The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,

the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.

The shall see the glory of the Lord,

the majesty of our God.

 

Strengthen the weak hands,

and make firm the feeble knees.

Say to those who are of a fearful heart,

“Be strong, fear not!

Behold, your God will come with vengeance,

with the recompense of God.

He will come and save you.”

 

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

then shall the lame man leap like a hart,

and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy.

For waters shall break froth in the wilderness,

and streams in the desert;

the burning sand shall become a pool,

and the thirsty ground springs of water;

the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp,

the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

 

And a highway shall be there,

and it shall be called the Holy Way;

the uncleans shall not pass over it,

and fools shall not err therein.

No lion shall be there,

nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;

they shall not be found there,

but the redeemed shall walk there.

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return,

and come to Zion with singing;

everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;

they shall obtain joy and glandess,

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.