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Brothers and sisters in faith, as we mark this 250th anniversary of our independence, we reflect with heartfelt gratitude and look forward with sincere hope. Across the United States, we have begun to remember and celebrate the Fourth of July, Independence Day, the historic day in 1776 when the people living in the American colonies proclaimed their independence and quest for freedom from Great Britain.

As we honor and celebrate this significant day, let us also remember that in every liturgical service, worship, or Mass, we cherish our spiritual independence and the freedom from sin and evil, recognizing our profound dependence on God and the true, everlasting freedom we find in Jesus Christ. Our founders long ago acknowledged that basic rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, are gifts from our Creator. In our Catholic faith, we understand that true freedom blossoms when grounded in truth, justice, and love for our neighbor.

This important anniversary is a blessing from God, calling us to three meaningful actions:

Celebrate and give thanks: We thank God from the depths of our hearts for the blessings bestowed upon our nation and for the freedom to live, share, and uphold our faith.

Seek forgiveness and make amends: We humbly acknowledge our imperfections and ongoing moral challenges. We pledge to work toward justice, restore dignity, and foster a culture of life and love.

Renew our dedication: To heal divisions and bring healing to our land, the Bishops of the United States have entrusted our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This act reminds us that our true strength lies not only in our circumstances but in the boundless grace and love of Christ the King.

What does it truly mean to have Jesus Christ as our king? Before we are citizens of any country, we are first children of God. Our nation is under God’s sovereign care, and no government can replace Him. We owe everything to God, entrusting our souls to Him for eternity. While we live in this world, we are not of it. We obey a higher, divine authority, yet we remain grounded in love and faith. We participate in earthly affairs, but we follow God’s commandments.

Jesus teaches us: “Repay to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mt 22:21). He reminds us of our dual responsibilities, toward our country and toward God. As Christians, we hold responsibilities to both: to serve our nation with love and integrity, and to serve God with devotion.

May the Lord continue to bless our beloved country. As we look to the next 250 years and beyond, let us strive to be a nation rooted in trust in God, committed to peace, charity, and the sacred dignity of all human life.

May God continue to bless our grand nation.

Fr. Nelson Rubio

Pastor

St. James Catholic Church