United along the Way - July 4, 2025

Today’s Readings: The Daily Office for Independence Day:
AM Psalm 33; Ecclesiasticus 10:1-8,12-18; James 5:7-10
PM Psalm 107:1-32; Micah 4:1-5; Revelation 21:1-7

249 years ago, a formal statement of separation from the rule of Great Britain was signed by 56 delegates from the thirteen colonies. Perhaps you learned to recite the Declaration of Independence in history class, or the words roll off your tongue when you sing along to the Broadway hit “Hamilton”: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Thomas Jefferson and his contemporaries appealed to perspectives of philosophy, politics, and theology in this statement that moved our tenacious new nation toward what the founders understood as justice and interdependence as the United States of America. I commend to you on this 4th of July the transcript of the Declaration of Independence; it is fascinating to re-read the work in its entirety.

Does it surprise you that there is an observance in the Episcopal Church that assigns readings and prayers to this day? One of the readings for today imparts wisdom from Ecclesiasticus around living in community as people of the Lord: “A wise magistrate educates his people, and the rule of an intelligent person is well ordered… an undisciplined king ruins his people, but a city becomes fit to live in through the understanding of its rulers… Arrogance is hateful to the Lord and to mortals, and injustice is outrageous to both… The beginning of human pride is to forsake the Lord; the heart has withdrawn from its Maker.” (10:1, 3, 7, 12) Can you hear the relevance to the tensions at play for the colonies in America? The verses also speak to our common humanity when we turn from God and lean into sinful, selfish ways – for that is where distrust and destruction spread.

Another of today’s readings is from the prophet Micah, pointing to the hopefulness of God’s people in the land of promise. “In the days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains and shall be raised up above the hills. Peoples shall stream to it, and many nations shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths’…nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.” (4:1-2a, 4)

More guidance is offered in the Letter of James: “You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Brothers, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged.” (5:8-9) Living as Christians means that we find ways to remain strong and united as the Body of Christ, amid our differences and disagreements. Similarly, as Americans we wrestle with how to remain the United States of America. We are bound at our core by the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of our country (which went into effect in 1789) – as a union. We are not independent from one another; we are a people-group. And it is not easy.

Having just returned home from walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain two days ago, I can tell you this: walking the Way of Saint James is not a space for isolation and independence. It is a path of community and togetherness, even in moments of loneliness or solitude. Millions from across the world have trod that path. People on foot, bicycles, and horseback…different faiths, languages, and experiences…we encourage one another and greet fellow travelers with “Buen Camino!” There is compassion and interdependence exhibited among friends and strangers.

I encourage you, too. This way of faithfulness and life is rugged at times. We get blisters and sores. We do not feel fully equipped to face the day’s challenges. So, slow down. Walk alongside someone else. Take in the beauty of the moment as the gift from God that it is. Eat a healthy snack and stay hydrated. Remain connected to the redeeming love of Christ, one breath at a time. Speak the truth to those around you, and remember to laugh, for the joy of the Holy Spirit brings inspiration into your very being.

Faithfully,
Katherine+

Reflection and Challenge 

What will you do to seek God's help in finding unity and interdependence this day and week ahead?