Freedom

I haven't posted anything political here really, mostly out of a lack of time and presence of mind to write about it.   But also probably both out of some lack of motivation/depression about it all, and out of fear of judgment from others.  That last one has been a lifelong threat.  I'll have to write a post on my "Be Not Afraid" talk to explain.  :)  But anyhoo, I mainly tonight just wanted to post a prayer for Religious Freedom that all of us Catholics, but any Christian, should be praying right NOW.  Because we are being asked to choose between our deeply held and ancient religious convictions...or following the "law of the land" in our country.  My heart does a flip saying that, reading over those words.  This can't be true.  I mean, this is no Ray Boltz' video, right??   But yes, it's happening...and beyond this one issue in our country, there is SO MUCH persecution going on all over the world, of Christians.  "Tolerance" is preached at us and pushed on us as the gold standard of morality, when no such thing is granted to us.   Everyone just sits idly by.  


I could go on and on, but no time at the moment.  Here is the prayer...please pray it:

O God our Creator,

from your provident hand we have received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
You have called us as your people and given us the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God, and your Son, Jesus Christ.
Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit,
you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world,
bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel
to every corner of society.

We ask you to bless us
in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty.
Give us the strength of mind and heart
to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened;
give us courage in making our voices heard
on behalf of the rights of your Church
and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.

Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father,
a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters
gathered in your Church
in this decisive hour in the history of our nation,
so that, with every trial withstood
and every danger overcome—
for the sake of our children, our grandchildren,
and all who come after us—
this great land will always be "one nation, under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.