Let’s face it, most people begin July Fourth with backyard plans, parade routes, and a gathering with family and friends at home enjoying the company of their loved ones while savoring specially prepared foods for the occasion – hotdogs and BBQs are a constant – and awaiting the beauty of firecrackers illuminate the evening skies.
I spent mine differently.
After a 12-hour night shift that ended at 5 a.m., I had divided thoughts – retreat to a warm bed and get a good sleep or celebrate the day with the Lord.
But something tugged at my heart—a strong invitation to celebrate freedom not just as a resident of this country, but as a Catholic.
I didn’t want to miss the only Mass offered in the morning at my parish, St. Timothy Catholic Church. It was at 9 a.m.—just four hours after I clocked out. There wouldn’t be enough time for sleep, only time to decide: rest for my body or rest in Christ?
I chose to rest in Christ.
Before the Fireworks, There Was the Eucharist
As I sat in the pew that morning—tired, and a little groggy—I feel the same feeling I feel when in Church during Holy Mass: this was exactly where I have to be at this moment. Before the flags and fireworks, before the noise and the celebrations, I had the privilege of sitting in silence before the One who gives true freedom—Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
I looked around at the others who came: some elderly, some families with children, some likely on their way to prepare for cookouts. But here we were, gathered around the altar, offering our gratitude not just for this nation, but for our salvation.
Because yes, July 4th is about liberty. But the deepest liberty we have isn’t granted by governments or protected by borders—it is given by God. It is liberty from sin. Liberty to love. Liberty to live a life of truth, and goodness – even when it comes with a cost.
Freedom Rooted in Sacrifice
As we celebrate this special day, we remember that freedom comes at a cost. Brave men and women have laid down their lives for our country.
But as Catholics, we also remember that the greatest act of freedom came through the Cross—when Christ laid down His life so that by His death we would live.
There at Mass, I saw both stories come together. I heard the readings. I offered prayers for the country, for peace, for our leaders. But most importantly, I received Jesus—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. And I was reminded: true freedom is found in Jesus.
Grateful and Fully Awake
Truly, great joy comes from choosing Jesus first, from putting the soul before anything else. From saying, “Yes, Lord, You’re worth my time, even when I barely have some to spare.”
This July 4th, I am thankful that I have celebrated with gratitude for this country. But most of all, I am grateful that I have celebrated something deeper—my identity as a child of God, living in a freedom the world cannot give or take away.
Before the parades, before the food, before the fireworks—my day began at the altar – with Jesus– giving me a joy-filled heart that will never fade away.
