13th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2023

God bless America, land that I love.

Stand beside her and guide her

Through the night with a light from above.

From the mountains to the prairies,

To the oceans white with foam,

God bless America, my home sweet home.

With hearts filled with patriotism and faith, let us transition our focus to the Gospel reading from Matthew, where Jesus presents us with a profound challenge.

He speaks about the demands of discipleship and emphasizes the utmost importance of prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else. These words may initially seem daunting, but they carry a profound message of true freedom and fulfillment.

As we sang the heartfelt words of "God Bless America," we recognized the beauty and blessings of this great nation. However, let us remember that our ultimate allegiance is not to any earthly kingdom or nation, but to God's eternal Kingdom.

The principles of liberty, equality, and justice that we cherish in America find their deepest meaning and fulfillment when grounded in our relationship with Christ.

Jesus declares, "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." These words challenge us to examine the depth of our commitment to Christ.

They call us to embrace a radical transformation in our lives, where our love for God surpasses any other attachment or allegiance.

While our love for our country and our families is significant, Jesus reminds us that our love for Him must take precedence. When we prioritize our relationship with Christ, it transforms our entire existence.

It changes the way we engage with the world and shapes our interactions with others. Our love for God becomes the foundation from which we express love, justice, compassion, and solidarity to all.

The Gospel message echoes the spirit of "God Bless America" as we recognize that true freedom, justice, and peace can only flourish when anchored in a deep and authentic relationship with God.

The light from above that guides our nation is the same light that illuminates our hearts and directs our paths as disciples of Christ.

As we celebrate this Fourth of July this week, let us remember that our faith and our citizenship go hand in hand. Let us strive to be true disciples, shining the light of God's love and truth in our communities. May our lives reflect the values of God's Kingdom, where justice, peace, and freedom reign.

God bless America, and God bless each one of us.

Amen.