During this final week and a half as we head into July 4th, we are being badgered with so much superfluous stuff masking as news that we hardly have time to reflect on where we are headed as a Nation. There are important events and developments, of course, which many still seeing ourselves as Fortress America, ignore.
Just as in 1776 there were those who wanted accommodation and others considered more radical calling for a clean break with England, the various primary results indicate how divided we are as a Nation. What we have lost over the past 20 years or so is the faith that we have a common purpose, extending both welcome to newcomers and faith in the idea of equality, both racial and economic.
There is no question that many of us feel abandoned by our leadership, more focused on staying in power than on really examining the socioeconomic issues that face us. This feeling of abandonment has resulted in responding to demagogues who not only create facts out of wholecloth but manage to hold onto power while doing so. We’ve seen this before and this way of doing politics resulted in societal upheaval in the past and will do so again. The question is: how will it end?
Prayer for the Day
Searching for ways to free ourselves from a past that chains us,
We come to you, O God, for the promise of freedom you offer;
Grasping at the frayed edges of our youthful dreams,
We look for the healing that only you can bring.
Plagued by the aimlessness that clouds our vision,
We pray for your grace to direct us.
In the name of the One who gives us clearer vision,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The flames kindled on the 4th of July 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism; on the contrary, they will consume these engines and all who work them.
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
The temptation is powerful to close our eyes and wait for the worst to pass, but history tells us that for freedom to survive, it must be defended, and that if lies are to stop, they must be exposed.”
Madeleine K. Albright, diplomat, from Fascism: A Warning (1937-2022)
The desire of the poor you have heard, O Lord, you make their heart firm
Your ear listens to do justice for the orphan and the wretched,
And none oppress anyone in the land.
Psalm 10: 17-18