A very blessed and happy 4th to all our American members. I listened to a homily by chance recently by the late saintly Father Mark Beard on the theme of, , 'Sacrifice. ' He spoke about the 56 people who originally signed the Declaration of Independence and how they were professions people of property, folks with a lot to loose. He named many of them who wound up broke or dead or in prison for doing so. He said they knew the risks but were prepared to take them for what they believed to be right. He asked how many in Washington today would show the same spirit of self sacrifice? He himself reckoned not one. Father Beard's homily went on for all of 21 minutes. But they are so good his congregation never complained, in fact they often clapped him. What a remarkable priest he really was. I couldn't help seeing the huge suffering in his eyes. He must have been carrying some really huge crosses.
Father of all nations and ages, we recall the day when our country claimed its place among the family of nations; for what has been achieved we give you thanks, for the work that still remains we ask your help, and as you have called us from many peoples to be one nation, grant that, under your providence, our country may share your blessings with all the peoples of the earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Source: Collect for Independence Day, New Roman Missal
God bless America, we are certainly in need of it. Today is also my son Louis' birthday. Please remember him with a prayer for his conversion.
