The speech given this week by President Obama on the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech has been analyzed extensively by both the right and the left.  Depending upon the political viewpoints that one adheres to will obviously affect the way in which one interprets the message given by the president.  Some have viewed it as “brilliant” while others have seen it as “divisive”.  Other analysts have seen it as a “missed opportunity” in which the president could have celebrated the victories and accomplishments of the past 50 years.  Instead, in their opinion, he chose to focus on the shortcomings of our nation.  By doing so, the president simply moved into another campaign speech to promote his own political agenda.

I am not a political analyst, and I have no desire to dissect the speech line by line looking to prove a point on one side or the other.  However, there are certain things that just made me sit in disbelief as I watched and listened to the president deliver his speech.  It started near the beginning when the president quoted these words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Every time I hear these words, I wonder how our nation ever got to the point where we simply chose to ignore them.  The words are straight to the point.  We believe that we have a Creator who endowed us with unalienable rights.  A complete list isn’t given, but “among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”  It begs the question, “How can we destroy the lives of millions of babies and not see the contradiction?”  How did we as a nation become so complacent, so apathetic, to allow the slaughter of innocent children to be the law of the land?

President Obama went on to say, “Willingly, they went to jail to protest unjust laws, their cells swelling with the sound of freedom songs. A lifetime of indignities had taught them that no man can take away the dignity and grace that God grants us. They had learned through hard experience what Frederick Douglas once taught: that freedom is not given; it must be won through struggle and discipline, persistence and faith.”  If God gives us dignity and grace, why has the president been so adamant in promoting abortion rights?  Is it only some people that have dignity and grace?  My dear people, the president may be right.  “Freedom is not given; it must be won through struggle and discipline, persistence and faith.”  Are we willing to maintain the struggle, exhibiting discipline, persistence, and faith, to fight for the unalienable right to life of the baby in the womb?  Do we have the guts to protest unjust laws?

President Obama continued, “We might not face the same dangers as 1963, but the fierce urgency of now remains. We may never duplicate the swelling crowds and dazzling processions of that day so long ago, no one can match King's brilliance, but the same flames that lit the heart of all who are willing to take a first step for justice, I know that flame remains.” The fierce urgency of now remains.  Yes, it does.  We are not only struggling for the right to life, but our liberty is under attack as well.  People of faith are being told to keep their faith within the confines of their church building and in the walls of their own home.  It has no place in the wider community.  This trampling of religious freedom, especially in regard to the HHS Mandate which strives to force us to violate our consciences in regard to the sanctity of life, should ignite that flame in our hearts to truly stand up and fight for justice.  “Freedom is not given; it must be won through struggle and discipline, persistence and faith.”  If that is the reality of things, then let's engage in the struggle until victory is won.

Finally, the president concluded, “And that's the lesson of our past, that's the promise of tomorrow, that in the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it. And when millions of Americans of every race and every region, every faith and every station can join together in a spirit of brotherhood, then those mountains will be made low, and those rough places will be made plain, and those crooked places, they straighten out towards grace, and we will vindicate the faith of those who sacrificed so much and live up to the true meaning of our creed as one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”  What does the president envision when he refers to, “the true meaning of our creed as one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all?”  What is truth in his mind?  His actions have demonstrated that he is the most pro-abortion president in history.  How does that promote life?  His HHS Mandate violates the conscience rights of many faith denominations.  How does that promote liberty?  Removing God from every aspect of public life, except when it is convenient for political purposes, certainly does not promote a development toward us being one nation under God.  Without God, there will be no justice for all.  Read the documents of the Founding Fathers to verify that they understood that this new republic which had been established could only succeed if people were guided by their Christian faith and morals.  

I am grateful for the positive strides our country has made in race relations, and I clearly understand that we still have work to do.  However, since 1973 another civil rights issue has been in play, and after 40 years there is still much to do.  Will people of faith accept the president’s challenge as laid out in his speech?  Will we come together by the millions to change the course of our country’s current path?  Will we fight for the right to life and liberty, so there may be a genuine pursuit of happiness?

Last week, the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Gospel reading reminded us of a question that someone posed to Jesus, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?”  Jesus answered, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.”  The readings this weekend for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time provide a significant clue as to how to accomplish that task.  The very first line of the first reading taken from the Book of Sirach sums it up well: “My child, conduct your affairs with humility.”

Humility isn’t a trait that is celebrated in modern society on a regular basis.  All we have to do is point to the recent MTV awards and the performance of a former Disney star to see what contemporary culture celebrates.  Sure, newscasters and others have claimed outrage at the vulgar display of gyrations, but time will most likely reveal an increase of sales for the performer’s goods.  The old adage still applies, “Sex sells.”  That word could be replaced with, “Pride sells.”

If the entertainment industry does not convince you that the sin of pride is alive and well, simply turn your attention to the political arena for confirmation.  Whether it is the (now former) mayor of San Diego, the mayoral candidate for New York City, or a whole list of others that could be mentioned, the word “humility” isn’t one which generally pops into mind.  The pursuit of power, prestige, and fame can be seen among entertainers, politicians, business leaders, and even among church leaders.  No segment of society is exempt from the effects of pride.  Think back to where it all began.  It was even present among the angels.

The Scriptures for this weekend give us an opportunity to reflect upon the Seven Capital Sins and the ill-effects that these sins have in our lives.  If we have any hope to enter through the narrow gate, it is essential for us to root out these capital sins and replace them with virtues.  Do we have the desire to unite our will to the will of God?  Are we willing to allow the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit to permeate every fiber of our being?  Are we going to walk humbly with our God? (Micah 6:8)

Pride—“is having an inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, or superiority”.  The New Catholic Encyclopedia says that pride is “the inordinate desire to excel.”  It goes on to say that “pride springs from a self-love that is exclusive of others.”  When we choose to follow our own will rather than the will of God, pride has been allowed to dictate our path. 

Avarice—“is an insatiable greed for riches”.  Looking back to the vice of pride, we can see that self-love is quite evident when we are in pursuit of riches with insatiable greed.

Lust—“is an uncontrolled or illicit sexual desire or appetite”.  Once again, we look back to pride springing from a self-love that is exclusive of others, and we see a pursuit of sexual satisfaction with little or no regard for others.

Anger—“is a strong feeling of displeasure and belligerence aroused by a wrong.”  How does pride factor into the vice of anger?  Does having a high opinion of ourselves affect the way we react to someone when they have wronged us?  Pride will most likely escalate the level in which we react to a perceived wrong.  If we believe we are far superior to the individual who has wronged us, we aren’t too likely to have patience and forgiveness in the forefront of our mind.

Gluttony—“is excessive eating or drinking”.  The vice of gluttony can take place for many different reasons.  If this behavior is exhibited due to emotional distress, chemical imbalance, or some other medical issue, we are obviously talking about something outside the realm of gluttony.  However, if we are engaging in gluttonous behavior that springs from pride and a lack of discipline, are we willing to admit it?

Envy—“is a feeling of discontent with regard to another’s advantages, success, possessions, etc.”  Do we share in the joy when other people experience success and good fortune, or are we green with envy?

Sloth—“is the habitual disinclination to exertion; indolence; laziness; idleness.”  Does pride give us a sense that certain types of work are beneath our dignity?  Does pride dull our senses to such a degree that we forfeit a life of prayer for a life of idleness?  Are we guilty of laziness when it comes to our spiritual lives, especially in regard to our faithfulness in daily prayer?

The Seven Capital Sins certainly provide a lot of food for thought and reflection.  As we strive to enter through the narrow gate, let us sincerely conduct our affairs with humility. 

On August 6, 1964, Pope Paul VI issued the encyclical Ecclesiam Suam.  It is fascinating to read the document with 49 years of hindsight now to put it into perspective.  You can read the whole encyclical here:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_06081964_ecclesiam_en.html 

It is worth the time to read it in its entirety, but I would especially recommend paragraphs 99 and 100 where it speaks to atheism as a growing evil.  We are still facing many of the same challenges today.

On this Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ may we each be blessed abundantly through the overflowing grace of Almighty God!

The formal signing of the Declaration of Independence on engrossed parchment was completed by fifty (50) delegates on August 2, 1776, while five other delegates signed in the weeks and months that followed.  Thomas McKean of Delaware did not sign it until 1781.  You can read more details about this historic event here:  http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h670.html

 Although we recognize July 4, 1776 as Independence Day in America, this formal signing of the declaration nearly a month later also has significance in our review of history.  Can you imagine the emotions that must have been running through the hearts and minds of a multitude of people on this monumental occasion?  Was there an overall sense of jubilation, trepidation, or fear?  The impact of Benjamin Franklin’s words must have been a bit daunting when he stated, “We must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly we will all hang separately.”  What sacrifices would be necessary for this venture into independence?

 There have obviously been challenging components to the American experience all through the years, and it seems that each successive generation brings with it a new set of obstacles and philosophical viewpoints which continue to summon us to greater heights.  The nation’s response to these issues will determine our ability to flourish, and the contemporary worldview present in our culture certainly shows a divisiveness that has the potential to hinder our stature here at home as well as abroad.  Attaining unity in the midst of diversity is appearing to be a considerable challenge for even the most skilled of leaders.

 As we recite the pledge of allegiance and recognize our republic as being “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” are we simply hoping that it will be or do we truly strive to ensure that it is?  What is our role in the civic affairs of our community, state, and country?  This question has become more and more pertinent for people of faith as God is systematically removed from all areas of the public arena.  What is our responsibility in these matters?  Do we sit idly by on the sidelines and watch religious liberty be incrementally stripped away with little resistance?  How would the Founding Fathers of our country have responded to the current dilemmas faced by people who adhere to religious beliefs?

 There is no doubt that we live in a very complex global society, but the underlying factor in our ability to flourish as a nation continues to be our willingness to embrace a moral code that makes freedom possible.  John Adams, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and second President of the United States, said, “[I]t is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue.” 

 In another place John Adams stated,

“[W]e have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. . . . Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
(Source: John Adams, The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States, Charles Francis Adams, editor (Boston: Little, Brown, and Co. 1854), Vol. IX, p. 229, October 11, 1798.)

As we mark this anniversary of the formal signing of the Declaration of Independence, let us spend some time in prayer giving thanks to God for the many blessings bestowed upon our country during these last 237 years.  Let us also spend some time in study.  How did we get to this point in history?  How has the gift of faith shaped our country in the past?  How will the gift of faith continue to shape our future?  Lastly, let’s put our faith into action.  Each of us will have to decide in what manner we will do that, but my hope is that we will not simply be a spectator as life happens around us.  Each one of us has been blessed by God with certain talents, skills and charisms.  The glory of God shines when we are fully alive so let’s put our faith into action!