While we prepare to celebrate America’s Independence Day, let us pause and reflect on the gift and responsibility of our freedom. 

As Christians, our mission, told to us in the Gospel of Matthew, is to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19). Jesus commands us to share the Gospel with everyone we encounter—to go beyond our everyday circles to spread Truth and Love. 

We have been given the freedom to live out this mission as Americans. The First Amendment protects our right to religion and the free exercise thereof. We should be grateful that our forefathers fought for this freedom, and we should work to protect and honor it by speaking out against injustices and promoting the common good. 

However, this is a freedom not all people have the privilege of experiencing, and many of our Christian brothers and sisters around the world live in fear because of their beliefs. As St. John Paul II explained,“Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but having the right to do what we ought.” The freedom we experience as Americans gives us many privileges, but we must remember that our freedom calls us to do what we ought, and as Christians that is to live out the Great Commission. It is our responsibility to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters, stand up for the Truth, and be a witness of the mercy of Christ in our homes, communities, and country. 

There is much to be grateful for, so let us pause this week to thank God for the freedom to live out our faith. Let us also join in prayer for the world, with the hope that one day we may all experience religious liberty in every nation.