RUTTER -- On Our Knees

The American flag is hanging on one of my office walls.

Presented to me by my son, Jake, the flag was flown at his Army outpost in Afghanistan where he was stationed.

Our USA flags fly throughout the world, symbolizing our American presence and fight for faith, family and freedom.

Most of us can easily sing the first verse of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” but I bet few of us, including me, know the last:

“Blest with vict’ry and peace may the heav’n rescued land

Praise the power that hath made and preserv’d us a nation!

Then conquer we must when our cause is just.

And this be our motto, “In God is our trust.” (Francis Scott Key)

We are a nation of pilgrims built on the quest for faith, family and freedom; escaping the mandates of the state and its wish to usurp God and control our lives.

Whatever is good about the USA reflects God, gives thanksgiving to God, relies on God, knows deep in its soul that it belongs to God, is the servant of the Father.

Our beloved country is edging back into the wilderness, forgetting our Creator and the mission of love he has given us.

We are but an infant nation, in danger of losing our soul.

Like youth who question their parents and seek their own path to adulthood, we are flirting with the desire to forge our own path.

Increasingly, it seems, we’ve been turning our back on the sanctity of marriage, children and family to pursue and “find” ourselves and that which brings us pleasure.

We’ve been abandoning church and community, adopting an “all about me” attitude of having our expectations met by others.

We are straying from the truth to embrace the sparkling lights that attract us. But like fireworks, they will explode and quickly leave us in the dark.

Regardless of man’s hubris and self-adulation, God does not take second place. He is the foundation, the rock, the revered above all.

God’s almighty reign is not exclusive to the USA but as the One Creator, the Father of all, he permeates everyone everywhere.

It’s time to grow up and look to the true light.

On the Feast Day of St. Thomas (July 3), the reading from St. Paul captures these sentiments well:

“Brothers and sisters:

You are no longer strangers and sojourners,

but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones

and members of the household of God,

built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,

with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. (Eph 2:19-20)”

Disciples, Jesus calls us to go beyond our borders into near and distant lands to spread the truth of God’s abounding love.

For it is only through Him that the USA and all nations will endure, will thrive until he takes us to our heavenly home.

Let our flags continue to fly under Key’s motto — “In God is our trust.”

And so I pray: Dear Lord, God, guide the USA now and beyond our 250th year so we may continue to fly our flag with dignity. Vanquish the vices that tear apart our faith, family and freedom. Unite all countries in Your love. Bring us to our knees.