In this great country, we celebrate the separation of our American Colonies from the British government as stated in the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776. It was our day of freedom. It marked the beginning of a new nation - of our new nation. There were many more hardships ahead for the American people to endure before the United States could become how we know it today. Though we have grown into a nation of great reputation, of strength, and of integrity, there are more hardships for us to undergo. That is why it is very important for us as responsible citizens to participate in the functions of our nation. We must - and should - vote. We must - and should - pay taxes. St. Thomas Aquinas wrote on the virtue of patriotism and our duties to follow the directions and orders of the superiors God has placed above us. Jesus Himself said, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and render unto God what is God's". We are blessed to have the system of the United States government. Although it is sometimes very hard to see the results of one person's actions, your vote, your input, your religious convictions and free speech add weight to the direction our country is heading.
This 4th of July, remember to thank God for our nation, to praise Him for creating such a beautiful land, and to ask Him to direct the hearts of our political leaders to morality and a holy way of life.
For more reading on the Catholic standpoint on patriotism, visit CatholicCulture.org.
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