Posts
|
|
|
July is a wonderful time at Graymoor. The surrounding hills are a blanket of different shades of green, and our flowerbeds are bursting with color. Just walking around the grounds is a joy and always refreshing. July is a special month for us because on July 9th we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Atonement, which is Graymoor's title for our Blessed Mother. Our founder, Fr. Paul once wrote that the title of Our Lady of the Atonement is unique to the Friars and Sisters of the Atonement; "For it did not begin in Rome or in a majestic basilica. It was not the interpretation of a great theologian. Approved by the Church, this feast day of Mary is ours. It began at Graymoor in the heart of New York State." So we can truly say that Our Lady of the Atonement is an American Madonna. Of course another special day for us is Independence Day. How do we as Americans celebrate the 4th of July, our country's special day? If we look at the bible, we see that what was demanded of the Israelites can be summed up in one word: remember. Ancient Israel was a community of faith vitalized by memory for Israel knew her God not by reflections on the mysteries of nature, but by reflection on her history. Anyone who wants to know who they are should start by finding out where they come from. The 4th of July for Christian people is an intriguing mix of religion and culture, piety and patriotism. We celebrate with Uncle Sam, as well as Jesus Christ. When we gather on our Independence Day, we do so both as believers and citizens, and we thank God for religious liberty and political freedom. Every civilization has its moments of pageantry, and every country has some kind of national day. On the 4th of July we give thanks for the birth of the nation, for its survival, for its growth, for its freedom. Today is a time to remember, to look back, and remember the thousands of people of many nations who have come to the U.S., seeing in this nation a land of freedom, or opportunity, a place of promise. For some it was the first time they could speak their mind freely and openly, and the first time they could worship their God without fear. It is good to remember where we came from: it helps us know where to go. And remember what we put on our money: in God we trust. |
|||
|
No comments:
Post a Comment