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USA's 250th
This weekend the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. Our parish was instructed to use the scriptural readings assigned for Independence Day on Sunday, July 5.
The following commentary on the lessons was taken from The Episcopal Church website.
The Readings & Theological Commentary:
Commentary: God is described as one who executes justice for the orphan and widow and loves the stranger. In the context of a nation's independence, this reading serves as a prophetic reminder that true patriotism requires a radical hospitality toward the vulnerable. Just as the Israelites were once strangers in Egypt, the faithful are called to protect the vulnerable in their own societies. [1, 2]
Commentary: A hymn of praise that declares God's kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. It reminds the congregation that while nations rise and fall, God’s sovereignty endures, shifting our ultimate allegiance from the state to the Creator. [1, 2, 3]
Commentary: This passage recalls the patriarchs and matriarchs who looked for "a better country, that is, a heavenly one." It warns against absolute devotion to any earthly nation, reminding Christians that our permanent home is in the Kingdom of God. [1]
Commentary: The chosen Gospel puts the Sermon on the Mount center stage. Jesus commands his followers to "love your enemies." When read on a holiday tied to a specific nation, this text subverts partisan boundaries, calling believers to a radical, indiscriminate love and a standard of perfection based on God’s grace rather than tribal victories. [1, 2]
- The Collect for Independence Day:
Found on Page 242 of the Book of Common Prayer, it asks that we and all the people of the land "have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace." [1, 2, 3]
- The Litany for the Nation:
Often found on Page 838 of the BCP, it prays for wisdom for government leaders, deliverance from pride and arrogance, and an end to division. [1]”
I will be focusing on the Gospel reading from Matthew in my comments Sunday. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Love your enemies is beautiful - until you actually have one. The question arises, why does Jesus expect the impossible of us? I’ll explore several issues to help us understand this imperative. What kind of enemy did Jesus have in mind? What did he mean by love? What is the theological grounding for this command that so cuts against the grain of normal human emotions?
Until Sunday …. Have a good 4th and be safe!
Rev. Terry
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