America - mourning and rejoicing

In the midst of these turbulent times, I have been meditating on a nontraditional scripture text for this day, Isaiah 66:10-11 (NIV):

“Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her;    rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her. For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts;   you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance.”

The context for this passage is Israel’s return from bondage in Babylon, but for today, think about the meaning of this passage if we change “Jerusalem” to “America.” Rejoice with America and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her.

Despite the common narrative, we drink deeply from the abundance provided by our government. We all benefit from the goals enumerated in the Preamble to the Constitution: justice, domestic tranquility, common defense, general welfare, and the blessings of liberty. Safe food and water, clean air, education for all, the ability to retire with dignity – all these and more are blessings that flow from our nation.

Nevertheless, this is a time when America is not living up to the promise of liberty and justice for all. Millions will soon lose access to health care and food assistance, The alien in our midst who should be treated with kindness (Leviticus 19:33-34) is treated as a criminal. The rich pile up riches at the expense of the poor. Many of the blessings that should flow to our people seem to be an empty promise. That is why so many like me are mourning on this day. But, we should also rejoice – the abundance of goodness enshired in our laws and national ethos should give us hope for the future and courage to work for a just society. I rejoice that we live a country where change is possible, and all are promised life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

America! America! God mend thine every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self control, thy liberty in law!.

A prayer for Independence Day:

Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Jerry+

The Rev. Jerry Sather Vicar, St John Chyrosostom Episcopal Church Rancho Santa Margarita