I woke up this morning not feeling very patriotic. Well, that's not true. I love my country, but I am worried about the direction it is heading. So instead of feeling celebratory I feel disappointment and concern. I worry about my children's future. I don't usually go to church on Independence Day. Usually it is off to see a parade, then grilling outside, then fireworks. But today I am going into Washington D.C. for the closing Mass of the USCCB's Fortnight for Freedom. I love the National Basilica (except for the Aryan Jesus - I find him disturbing! But I love everything else!) so I like a good excuse to there. I look forward to the Mass. I will pray for Obama and all our leaders. I'll pray our country and its future. I'll pray for all those who are in our military, their lives in danger for what we hope are noble causes, worth being willing to die for. I'll pray for those who have been maimed in recent wars that are questionable in their justice. I'll pray for my nephew, Anthony, who turns 18 today and is already in the Army. He'll be shipping off to boot camp in a few weeks.
This post by Monsignor Charles Pope (also of Washington, D.C.) explains my fears very well.
There's a holy hour tonight at my parish as well which I hope to make. Frankly, I'd rather do that than go to fireworks.
The best thing to do is to become closer to Christ. He's the only one you can always trust! I have a pretty poor prayer life, so maybe all this is a refining fire that will help me be a better Christian.
And now, I will go put out our flag!
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