The 4th

A Fourth of July Prayer

We lift up our hearts, O God, on this day of celebration
in gratitude for the gift of being Americans.

We rejoice with all those who share
in the great dream of freedom and dignity for all.

With flags and feasting, with family and friends,
we salute those who have sacrificed that we might have the opportunity to bring to fulfillment our many God-given gifts.

As we deny all prejudice a place in our hearts,
may we also clearly declare our intention to work for the time when all people, regardless of race, religion or sex, will be granted equal dignity and worth.

Come, O gracious God,
who led your children Israel from slavery, keep us free from all that might hold us in bondage.

Bless our country and join our simple celebration
that we may praise you, our Source of freedom, the One in whom we place our trust.

From Ed Hays, A Pligrim's Almanac:Reflections for Each Day of the Year, p. 111 & St. Joe's Bulletin

----
Today, the 4th of July, is not like any other day of the year.

Typically, we'd be eating, drinking, cheering, swimming, basically jusst having fun...I could not find the strength to do that this year...not w/o Christine. Seeing her dressed in r/w/b, she looked like the all american kid...blond hair, blue eyes and a great smile. I had no desire to walk in the footsteps we did last year. Even though the parade was a washout last year...what a good time we had in the rain. So my day was simple and different this year.

Mass at 9 a.m.: spoke of peace and sang songs like Let There be Peace on Earth...