Fr. Jones: Faithfulness to God is what makes, keeps nations great
A prominent cleric summoned Catholics to mark the nation’s 250th birthday with celebration, introspection, gratitude and resolve.
He reminded the faithful that the greatest nation in the world — “bar none, it’s not even close” — will remain so only to the extent of its allegiance and fidelity to the creator and arbiter of all powers and principalities on earth.
“We are so blessed in our nation in so many, many, many ways,” Father Stephen Jones VG, pastor of Cathedral of St. Joseph Parish in Jefferson City and vicar general of the Jefferson City diocese, stated in his homily at Mass on the Fourth of July in the Cathedral.
“And hopefully, being able to celebrate our civic holiday is an opportunity to remind us of that,” he stated.
But the United States is one of many great nations, present and past, that are subject to the whims of history and human nature.
“Nations rise, empires rise, nations fall, empires fall,” the priest noted. “The only thing that’s constant and eternal is God.”
He suggested that all Christians, especially Catholics, should exist in a state of tension.
“We give thanks to God for the great mercy and grace of our country, and for all the benefits and all the good that it has done in the world,” the priest stated.
“We also need to recognize its shortcomings and the failings sometimes of its leaders and its people,” he said, “and be reminded constantly of our call to place our fidelity not in any nation, state, empire or politician but in Jesus Christ, who is the true King of the Universe.”
Fr. Jones called to mind a verse from that day’s responsorial Psalm “Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land,” (Psalm 85:9).
The psalm refers not to the United States but to God’s Chosen People.
“But it reminds us that our country is only great insomuch as her individual citizens try to live by the ideals of the Founders — and most importantly insomuch as we strive to live by the commands of God,” Fr. Jones counseled.
Sometimes, God’s law and the ideals of a free society come into conflict with each other.
Therefore, “you and I must remember that we are Christians first,” Fr. Jones stated. “Our allegiance is to the Lord and to the Kingdom of Heaven, not to any temporal state, no matter how amazing it might be.”
If the people of this nation remain faithful to God, “the Lord’s glory will continue to dwell in our land, as it has dwelt in many lands throughout the eons of history,” said Fr. Jones.
“It’s up to us,” he stated. “The call for us is faithfulness and supplication, trust in the Lord, and thanksgiving for the many blessings he has given us for this nation we celebrate today,” the priest continued.
“Thanks be to God for the Good Ol’ USA!” he said. “Happy 250th birthday. May we have 250 more.”
