Dominus vobiscum....
“Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant, we beseech thee, that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain these liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever.”
What is the cost of freedom? As Americans, we believe in a freedom that has rarely been experienced in the world. That freedom, ordained by our Creator and preserved by the sacrifice of many brave souls who have fought to defend our great nation, comes at a cost that is sometimes very high indeed. With that freedom comes a great responsibility, for it is incumbent upon us to remember the sacrifices that have been made to secure our freedom; to show the honor and respect that is due to those who have served their country; and to prepare our children so that they may appreciate and, if necessary, defend it against those who would see it destroyed.
What is the cost of freedom? As Christians, we believe that it is the life of one Man. The blood that was spilled by our Savior, Jesus Christ, was and is enough to guarantee the freedom from sin and death of the entirety of Creation. We did nothing to earn that gift which God so freely gave to a world that was not worthy; but we are called to remember that gift and to do in His Name those things which He calls us to do, so that the Word of God may be on the lips and in the hearts of all of His children. That is our responsibility. We are called to believe, and we are called to live according to that belief.
This month we celebrate the 234th anniversary of the birth of this nation. Let us give thanks to all those who have given of themselves to defend our freedom. Let us give thanks to God for His Son who gave himself up to death so that the whole world might share in his eternal Resurrection. Let us rededicate ourselves to an appreciation of all the blessings that God pours out upon us every day. Let us never lose sight of the eternal blessing of the everlasting life that is to come.
What is the cost of freedom? That we believe.
Your brother in Christ,
Fr. Michael+
I just got this news letter on 17 Jul. I loved this artical. I wish to ask something of all of you. Two of my best friends SPC Dearman his new born girl has just died of sids. SPC Cotten he is going through some hard times as well. Pray for them.
ReplyDelete- SPC Derrick S. Hunter