Happy 250 Years!

This weekend, I share my column with Keith Obermeier, one of our parishioners who is currently in formation to become a deacon in the Diocese of Cleveland…

This weekend in the United States, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.  The idea of America started with a desire to cut ties with the King of England and to become independent of an earthly ruler.  It is good that we can celebrate these freedoms, especially the freedoms of speech and religion that were cemented in our Constitution.  Yet as we acknowledge this independence it is good to also acknowledge a beautiful dependance we have, that is our dependance on Christ, our Heavenly King.  “Modern man is wrongly convinced that he is the sole author of himself, his life and society. This is a presumption that follows from being selfishly closed in upon himself”.  These words of Pope Benedict from 2009 are echoed in Pope Leo’s recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas.  This is a reminder that man did not create man, and that we are subjects of a benevolent father, and our every day and every action have been put into motion by His will.  As soon as we forget our frail nature in humanity, we sacrifice our dignity.  When my daughter was married on this date two years ago, I asked her and her husband to remember July 5th as “Dependance Day”, a date to celebrate that we do not walk along the journey of life alone.  I pray that you will join me today in thanking God for the gifts He gives us each day, and celebrate that it is only with His help that we find life’s true success, Charity and Love.  Amen.

Happy Dependence Day!

- Keith

To close, I would like to share a part of the prayer of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus that was written by the US Bishops for our country

O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: You know the longings of our hearts, and You desire that we enjoy friendship with You.  From Your pierced side, You have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst. Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with You…May our hearts be united to Yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed. 

Heal us in Your heart Lord,
Fr. Jeremy