Friends and Neighbors, 

This week, our nation celebrates Independence Day. We live in a time when many of us wrestle with what it means to celebrate that day. Our history is marred with violence and conquest that is antithetical to the Gospel of Christ. We see the history of the world and note that intertwining blind patriotism and religion doesn't bring good results. I appreciate the collect for the nation in our Book of Common Prayer (p 258). It prays "that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will". As followers of Christ, we can acknowledge the failures and hurts of human existence while also declaring that there is hope for repentance, reconciliation, and renewal. 

Whether it is as a family, a congregation, or a nation, the use of our freedom calls for a consideration of our neighbor. Followers of Christ should especially be attuned to loving God and neighbor. Our life as a parish helps us practice loving God and neighbor, and sustains us in the work of doing so. We seek to use the gifts we have to meet the needs of the world. That is a challenge even when we don't bring political differences into the mix. 

We will pray for our nation and our citizens that we will promote justice and liberty for all people. We will continue to pray for our leaders even if we didn't vote for them and disagree with their policies. We will come together to do justice and acts of mercy in our community. I pray that we will also be curious and accepting when we express different opinions, doubts, and ideas. 

I am grateful to be in a community where I can name this struggle. I am blessed to be serving with you as we practice faithfully the freedoms we have. 

Peace, 

Fr. John Mark