On July 4, 1776, in the midst of the American Revolution, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to courageously declare the thirteen colonies independent from Great Britain. Today, 246 years later, we celebrate this Declaration.
In 2005, Pope John Paul II (now St. John Paul) reminded us that our love of country, which is certainly evident on this holiday, is appropriate, whereas the impulse toward nationalistic pride is not. As Americans, we actively embrace our patriotism, while constantly reaffirming our Catholic witness within a culture that is and always has been reluctant to also embrace the call “to love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13, 34)
In his Memory and Identity: Conversations at the Dawn of a Millennium (2005), Pope John Paul II distinguished patriotism from nationalism: “Patriotism is a love for everything to do with our native land: its history, its traditions, its language, its natural features. The cultural and historical identity of any society is preserved and nourished by all that is contained within this concept of a nation. Whereas nationalism involves recognizing and pursuing the good of one’s own nation alone, without regard for the rights of others. Patriotism, obviously, leads to a properly ordered social love and nationalism does not, cannot.”
We are encouraged on this holiday to love our country’s best principles and reaffirm our commitment to giving witness to what is true, good, and beautiful in all the spheres of life, especially where we can have an impact. If we accept the invitation of Christ and respond to His direction, He will continue to guide us and keep us in His care. May we follow His lead as we serve one another and give witness – as Catholics in America. We each have a role to play. May we grow in trust that God is in command and He very much counts on us to make His goodness and mercy known throughout this land and in our world.
