As we mark the Fourth of July, this holiday gives us time to thank God for the birth of our nation and our freedom to worship in our faith. This independence allows us to steward the gift of our faith, to gather in community, to speak about our Catholic faith publicly, and to share that faith with others.
The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops document, Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, describes the “Steward’s Way” to commemorate Independence Day:
“On this day, we are called to pray for our country but also urged to exhibit ‘solemn reverence’ for the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of this remarkable nation. Throughout world history, the freedom to worship according to one’s conscience has seldom been codified into law. Though it is more common today in varying degrees, the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution offer abundant reasons for celebration.”
As with every gift from God, we are encouraged to share this blessing of freedom to serve others:
“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Pt 4:10)
Those who strive to live as Catholic stewards and disciples may face considerable challenges. In the United States and other nations, a strong secular culture often contradicts religious beliefs and convictions about the meaning of life. This culture frequently encourages us to focus on ourselves and our pleasures and is counter to Catholic teachings.
As Catholics who live in the mainstream of American society and experience its advantages, we may need to make a special effort to understand the role of a Catholic steward, live accordingly, and bring that message to our communities, our nation, and our world.
If we believe we may not be able to actively influence religious freedom in other parts of the world, we need only to look to our own prayer life, both in community and individually. In this way, we can exercise our gift of religious freedom by praying for the liberty, independence, and spiritual peace of all.
As today’s reading reminds us, “As the Lord spoke to me, the spirit entered me and set me on my feet, and I heard the one who was speaking say to me, ‘Son of man, I am sending you…’” (Ezekiel 2:2-3)