Independence Day

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48

Independence Day

Dear God of all people and nations
we have been blessed with freedom
yet we have often used it wrongly
we have not loved our neighbors.

We have been selfish and greedy
believing we deserve the best
yet abusing the poor and needy
enslaving and killing our friends.

We have wrapped ourselves in a flag
but not wrapped ourselves in generosity
our arrogance has gone before us
and we have not followed you.

Help us to raise your flag of love alone
make us humble and respectful of all
let us be the people you have called
and make us truly neighbors again. Amen