July 4, 2026

July 4: 250^th Anniversary of the USA

A Moment of Grace

Msgr Thomas Gervasio

 
I was a 20 year old seminary college student when our country celebrated its Bicentennial. I can still recall the excitement, joy, and pride of that July 4—a powerful sense of patriotism swept the country. I could be missing something, but 50 years later, the mood is different. Our country is in a different place, divided, cynical—our political discourse less respectful and even polarizing.  
 
All of this makes this Independence Day all the more important. The 250^th birthday of our nation is a symbol of the many great values that have shaped our nation. Whatever divisions there are, however controversial certain issues are in our society, today is a remarkable moment of grace to come together to reflect on what it means to be a part of this complex and vast community which is the United States of America.  
 
We are a nation that has carried forward the ideals of liberty, equality, the pursuit of happiness, justice, and democratic self-government. This has been done through sacrifice, service, innovation, and civic participation.  
 
How can we forget those who gave their lives to preserve these ideals not only for our own country but even for other countries. Nor can we fail to recall the generosity of our people rebuilding cities devastated by war and natural disasters. How can we not be grateful for the positive contributions made by so many immigrants welcomed to our shores seeking to share in the American dream. The United States is not a perfect country but it is a good and extraordinary country of which we should always be proud.  
 
In today’s Gospel Jesus says: “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what belongs to God.” Our Lord teaches us that we have a “dual citizenship.” We should be “Pro Deo et Patria” [For God and Country]
 
As citizens we have responsibilities: to support the State in its pursuit of the common good, of justice, security, and peace. We must pay taxes, vote, and defend our nation. St. Paul enjoins us to pray for all civil authorities. For their part, civil authorities should be servants of the people and not seek personal gain.
 
We also have religious duties: observance of the Commandments, prayer, and worship, practicing the virtues and the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. This also includes having the courage to challenge those proposals and laws that are contrary to God’s law.  
 
Daniel O’Connell, Mayor of Dublin in the 19th century warned “Nothing is politically right which is morally wrong.” We should then be informed on what our leaders are deliberating, what they propose. and then make our voice heard.  
 
Pope St. Paul VI liked to speak of building a “civilization of love.” Love is what moves us to fulfill our duties toward God and one another. Love makes us a voice for those have no voice in society, a voice for the most vulnerable and downtrodden.
 
A Catholic should always be, ‘Pro Deo et Patria,” a position that is motivated by love. I like the way Stephen White expresses it: “I can’t be a good citizen if I don’t love my country. That doesn’t mean ignoring the country’s flaws and failings. That doesn’t mean making excuses for it. It does mean that I strive to do what’s best for my country: to make her better, to heal her wounds, to strive against her vices and work to promote her virtues. All of that is work best accomplished in love.”
 
Let this be our program to celebrate our anniversary. God bless and preserve these States United and may our patroness, Mary Immaculate be our constant teacher in the ways of love.