One day a historian from the United States asked a former president of Argentina why South America with all of its tremendous natural resources of iron, copper, silver and gold….its great rivers and forests is so far behind the United States in development?
After a few moments of reflection, the President of Argentina said: “I’ve come to the conclusion that South America was settled by the Spanish, who came from Europe in search of gold. North America was settled by Pilgrims who came in search of God and human freedom.”
When I visited Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Plantation and Colonial Williamsburg some years ago, I witnessed how our founding fathers and mothers put God first in their lives, building churches and setting aside Sundays as a strict day of prayer, worship and rest. To be founded on God and the bedrock of our faith makes all the difference in the world for our nation, our families and ourselves.
Today our nation struggles with democracy, our unique form of government, the laws of our land, Supreme Court decisions and the integrity of our elected officials.
But it all boils down to the words of the former president of Argentina: “Do those who shape and form our democracy today come in search of gold or in search of God and human freedom?” A God Tap
Alexis de Tocqueville, the great early French commentator on America said:
“I sought to find the greatness and the genius of America in her harbors and rivers – and it was not there….in her fertile fields and boundless forests – and it was not there, in her rich mines and her vast world commerce – and it was not there….in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution – and it was not there.
“Not until I went into her churches and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power.
“America is great because she is good. If America ever ceases to be good,
America will cease to be great.”
I’ve probably read this selection over 100 times during the last 2 years. I’ve reflected, meditated, and prayed on these words so many times. It speaks to me a message that I need hear again and again.
What message does it impart to YOU? Have a Blessed 4th of July!!! Fr. Laz
