Independence Day is our nation’s greatest holiday. From the traditional grilling out, family and neighbor get-togethers, shooting off fireworks, parades, and other festivities, we Americans love this time of the year. Freedom flies in the wind; we see it as we look upon our nation’s flag. It was on that first Independence Day, July 4, 1776, that our country declared freedom from the tyranny of Great Britain’s King George III. We love this day for there is something in us that continues to desire freedom and leisure. We want to be free.
Freedom from slavery is a good thing. Freedom of excellence is better. Freedom to make the most excellent choice is the gift that we receive in Jesus Christ. In him we are set free. Free to forgive, free to love like he did on the cross, free to choose the good over the bad, free to pray, free to attend Holy Mass, and I could go on.
Nevertheless, we all realize that again and again we submit not to the king or queen of England but to the ultimate tyrant, sin itself. Thankfully Jesus has given us the great sacrament of Confession. In one sense every time I drive to Dickinson for confession it’s a new Independence Day. I am set free from that which tries to keep you and me out of heaven, away from God’s presence. I encourage you to go to Confession often that you may remain free from mortal sin. Through this sacrament of strength and forgiveness we are made capable of remaining a faithful member of God’s kingdom. May we always remember He who sets us free.