FOURTEENTH
SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
(Zechariah 9:9-10; Romans 8:9, 11-13; Matthew 11:25-30)
Of all the
symbols of the United States, none attracts more attention than the Statue of
Liberty. This colossal monument was a gift from France, originally intended to
commemorate the nation's centennial in 1876. It was placed on a small island
near New York Harbor so that immigrants arriving from Europe could see it as
they entered the country.
Now, as we
celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation, the Statue of Liberty stands as
a tribute to the ideals of the United States. From its very beginning, this
country has offered freedom, justice, and opportunity to millions of immigrants
from every part of the world. It has given them the chance to participate in a
society governed by the rule of law rather than by the privileged.
Inscribed
on the pedestal of the statue is a poem that captures the spirit of the nation.
One of its most famous lines is known by schoolchildren across the country: "Give
me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..."
The poem was written by a Jewish woman who worked with immigrants. Her words
inspired hope in the hearts of the poor and the oppressed, offering them the
promise of a better life. They also bear a remarkable resemblance to the words
of Jesus in today's Gospel: "Come to me, all you who labor and are
burdened, and I will give you rest."
Of course,
Jesus' invitation is far more than an offer of political asylum or material
prosperity. Rather, it is a call to lasting peace and eternal happiness through
a close relationship with him. Trusting in Christ frees us from the anxiety
that afflicts so many people who make wealth, prestige, and pleasure the
supreme goals of life. Although these values are not evil in themselves, they
cannot give us the fullness of life that Christ won for us. Indeed, when
pursued without restraint, they can even lead to ruin.
Jesus gives
us that fullness of life when we accept his gentle yoke. His yoke—the beam that
joins us to him—is his teaching. At times those teachings challenge us, as when
he insists that we forgive those who have wronged us. But we should always
remember that Jesus is at our side, helping us carry the burden. His friendship
comforts us, and his strength makes our load lighter.
It would
not be accurate to say that the United States is a Christian nation.
Nevertheless, our country has incorporated many values inspired by
Christianity, such as equality, freedom, and a welcoming spirit toward the poor
and the refugee. On this Independence Day weekend, let us thank God for these
principles. At the same time, let us pray that America will continue to live by
them. They have been a source of our nation's strength and greatness. And as we
strive to remain faithful to these ideals, may God continue to bless the United
States.
