The Forenight for Freedom has ended -now what?

                I attended the Closing Mass for the American Catholic Bishop’s Fortnight for Freedom at the National Shrine on July 4th.  With over 3000 of the faithful, hundreds of religious women and men, concelebrated by more than 100 priests and five bishops, the Papal Nuncio and a Cardinal, it was a beautiful celebration of our faith.

                Those in attendance wove the exquisite tapestry that is the American Church.  Young and old, diverse ethnicities, those born in the United States and those who have emigrated from other nations were all celebrating Eucharist in this final mass of the Fortnight.  I thought how wonderful the beautiful singing and strong responses during the Mass must have sounded in Heaven!

               

  Archbishop of Philadelphia Charles Chaput was the Homilist.  He preached primarily on Matthew 22, what to render unto Cesar and what to render unto God.  He made the thought provoking comment that “we belong to God and only to God”.  Therefore if we render to God what is His, we must give ourselves – all of ourselves.

               

  He spoke about freedom and how seeking His kingdom first makes us free.  When we let go of earthly things that are supposed to make us happy and live for Him first, we become free.  There is much to consider in his remarks and much for me to pray about over the next days and months.

                

The recessional song was America the Beautiful. The final verse ended with celebrants still walking down the aisle.  The crowd cheered the Bishops as they left the altar.  The smiles on their faces were priceless!

                

As the music concluded, the woman sitting next to me looked me in the eyes and said, “And now we need to go out and witness.”  Simply and wisely said.  It’s now in our hands - those of we the people - to go and speak to our neighbors, co-workers, fellow parishioners to help them understand why this fight for religious freedom is vital.