This week we celebrate the Independence of the United States of America. From the eighteenth to the twenty-first century, Americans have commemorated this free and independent union of souls, who are endowed by the Creator “with certain unalienable rights.” The fifty-six signers of the Declaration listed three rights, which their State’s constituents could agree upon. Between 1776 and 1791 at least twelve more “rights” were pleaded. While there may have been some minor consideration of the Creator’s endowment, the hundreds of statesmen, following those who pledged their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor,” have petitioned for over 11,000 additional “rights.”

It is my belief that Divine intervention may have played some role in honoring the few requests, as amendments to the foundational law which followed the Declaration. Both political and religious power in the hands of man are venal and subject to diversion. As singer Garth Brooks sang, “some of G_d’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.” Throughout history, moral or ethical aberrations have been revealed, either in real time or in the rear view mirror. Leaders thought to be invincible have proved otherwise. Today, and for generations to come, we can also celebrate that leadership under the of “the rule of law” in America is stronger than the litany of desires for rules by man.

At the beginning of this Nation and now, the rulers, and the ruled, will at times act for their own desires in just, and unjust, ways just to protect their position. “But whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.” Forget yourself and your place in the world, because “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” are only eternally attained “in Him, by Him, and through Him.”

Almighty G_d, giver of all good things:
We thank you for the natural majesty and beauty of this land.
They restore us, though we often destroy them.
Heal us, Dear Lord

We thank you for the great resources of this nation. They
make us rich, though we often exploit them.
Forgive us, Dear Lord

We thank you for the men and women who have made this
country strong. They are models for us, though we often fall
short of them.
Inspire us, Dear Lord

We thank you for the torch of liberty which has been lit in
this land. It has drawn people from every nation, though we
have often hidden from its light.
Enlighten us, Dear Lord

We thank you for the faith we have inherited in all its rich
variety. It sustains our life, though we have been faithless
again and again.
Renew us, Dear Lord

Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun.
Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prejudice,
and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten the day when
all our people, with many voices in one united chorus, will
glorify your holy Name. Amen.—BCP

Pax,
jbt