“Come to Me”

This weekend we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This moment in our nation's history, which we see as our birthday, is one that obviously has great significance. We have come a long way since 1776, both as a country and as a world. Whether it is the writing of the Constitution, the amendments that have been added, the definition of freedom expanding to include all people, the laws passed by Congress to meet the needs of the moment, the Supreme Court decisions that have helped define those laws, or the Presidents we have elected that have made those laws tangible and been visible faces of leadership... all of it has been an adventure that has changed the world.

However, the immutable words of Jesus Christ and His Church have not changed. And this Sunday, as we celebrate this great anniversary, Jesus' words remind us of who He is and who He calls us to be: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

As we joyfully celebrate this moment in our nation's history and take pride in telling our story, let us not forget who we are, first and foremost: followers of Jesus Christ and members of His Catholic Church. No matter the political moments or struggles of our nation and world, may our hearts constantly be moving toward becoming more like His Sacred Heart. Through our reading of Scripture, service to the poor and downcast, and participation in the sacramental life of the Church, the Spirit seeks to draw us ever closer to Christ. And by being more like Him, we perform a great service to our nation and world in helping to build that eternal Kingdom of God, the one of true justice and peace and freedom, that will outlast all nations.

Want to prepare your heart and mind for Mass this weekend? Click here to find the readings for this Sunday's Mass.