The Gift of Freedom

As Catholics, this weekend is the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, which helps us keep our focus on the scriptures even as we celebrate the day of our country’s independence. Interestingly, we are challenged to keep a balance between enjoying our ‘independence,’ while also recognizing in the Mass our ‘dependence’ on God for all we need.

I experience ‘patriotism’ in the way I have such respect and admiration for our military women and men who do so much for our country and the cause of freedom around the world. When I learn that some of our own parishioners are making mission flights to deliver food to countries in need, or meet a flight nurse helping the wounded, or an intel officer working long hours behind the scenes to help prevent a bombing, or a young, enlisted woman who serves on the front line of duty, my heart is grateful to be in a country dedicated to the common good, dignity, and freedom of each person God creates.

On behalf of our whole parish, I express special gratitude to all our parishioners who are serving in the military, the retired, and all veterans. May God bless our country and world with the Holy Spirit of Peace.
Fr. Jim Deiters