To Desire a Better Country

Readings for the Feast of Independence Day

Inspired by Bishop Rob Wright’s weekly practice of writing a 150-word reflection on the upcoming Sunday’s lectionary readings, I’m going to try to write a reflection on the readings each week in 250 words or less…(this week, in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary)

To Desire a Better Country
The Feast of Independence Day – July 5, 2026

Deuteronomy 10:17-21 / Psalm 145 / Hebrews 11:8-16 / Matthew 5:43-48

Fortified by the faith of Abraham and our forefathers, we persist in our desire for a better country (Hebrews 11:16). Looking with hopeful anticipation towards the heavenly country which God prepares for us, we also pray for God’s reign to come on earth as it is in heaven; and, by God’s grace, we experience signs of that heavenly country in our community and our nation whenever we execute justice for the orphan and widow, provide food and clothing for the hungry and poor (Deuteronomy 10:17-21), and whenever we love the stranger, even when the stranger appears to be our enemy (Matthew 5:43).

During our country’s 250^th anniversary, we celebrate the ideals upon which our nation was founded – liberty and justice for all – while also acknowledging the ways that we have fallen woefully short of embodying these ideals, remembering that “patriotism without criticism has no head and criticism without patriotism has no heart.”[1] In the Gospel for Independence Day, Jesus calls us to be perfect while also reminding us that our heavenly Father causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous (Matthew 5:45, 48). As a nation, we are far from perfect; indeed, some might even call us “evil.” Therefore, we humbly repent as we also give thanks for God’s scandalous grace which strengthens us “to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace” and, like the indiscriminate rain, lavishly crowns our country, for the better, from sea to shining sea.

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[1]This quote is attributed to American historian Allen C. Guelzo, echoing a sentiment expressed by others like James Baldwin who said, “I love America more than any other country in this world, and exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” James Baldwin, Notes of a Native Son (1955); and Bob Dylan, who said, “I like America, just as everybody else does. I love America, I gotta say that. But America will be judged.” November 26, 1979, Tempe, Arizona. Wanted Man, ed. John Bauldie (1990).