“Faith is more of an essential service than a lot of things right now,” says Father Jerry in today’s homily, “The liberties and rights guaranteed to us by our constitution are a cause for celebration. But as followers of Jesus, we can’t see our rights as the final arbiter of what is right and wrong. Or what is just an unjust.”

As disciples of God’s risen Christ, we are called to bring to reality the kingdom of God; the reign of God’s justice and mercy, of God’s reconciliation and peace, even if it means wearing an uncomfortable face mask for the safety of others.

We thank you, God, for the many blessings you have bestowed on these United States. May, we realize our call to be a light to all nations, to embody our founding principles of life, liberty and happiness for all Your children, and to build up Your kingdom of justice and equality for all Your sons and daughters of every land and people.