The late Cardinal George warned, “I expect to die in bed, my successor will die in prison and his successor will die a martyr in the public square. His successor will pick up the shards of a ruined society and slowly help rebuild civilization, as the church has done so often in human history.”
The Founding Fathers wanted a society and government based on Western Civilization’s political philosophical heritage, but they wanted to avoid the religious sectarianism of Europe, and the political church model of England. The first amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
The First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. It forbids Congress from both promoting one religion over others and also restricting an individual’s religious practices.
The Northwest Ordinance stated that “freedom of religion and other civil liberties was guaranteed…. Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.”
How can we be spreading the Gospel?
There are two sides to our life as Christians: prayer and action. We all need to stay close to Christ through our prayer life and the sacraments. But in addition to prayer, we are called to action, to “live” the Gospel each day, by our words and deeds. Jesus came and lived among us, He died and rose for each one of us, not just for the ones we like.
To live our Christian life fully we must LISTEN “… Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will pass by. There was a strong and violent wind rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord—but the Lord was not in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake—but the Lord was not in the earthquake; after the earthquake, fire—but the Lord was not in the fire; after the fire, a light silent sound.”
Quiet time with the Lord is essential to living the Gospel Message. Spend some time today listening to the Lord.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Saint Andre Bessette intercede for us.
May God Be Praised!
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