A Heavy Heart On Independence Day

Today is July 4th, and it's always been one of my favorite holidays. I've always loved this day to celebrate our country's independence. I know it's not a perfect country and we can always do better. But this year, as "Happy 4th of July!" texts start rolling in, it feels hollow.

We've just witnessed the passing of the H.R.1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and it leaves so many at risk. Even the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops implored Congress to pause and consider the least among us. As Archbishop Broglio, President of the USCCB, stated:

My brother bishops and I have repeatedly and consistently urged lawmakers to use the budget reconciliation process to help families in need and to change course on aspects of the bill that fail the poor and vulnerable. The final version of the bill includes unconscionable cuts to healthcare and food assistance, tax cuts that increase inequality, immigration provisions that harm families and children, and cuts to programs that protect God’s creation. The bill, as passed, will cause the greatest harm to those who are especially vulnerable in our society. As its provisions go into effect, people will lose access to healthcare and struggle to buy groceries, family members will be separated, and vulnerable communities will be less prepared to cope with environmental impacts of pollution and extreme weather. More must be done to prevent these devastating effects.

The actions of the last twenty-four hours, and indeed the last few weeks, have left me with a heavy heart and mixed emotions about celebrating today.

We've watched as parties engage in finger-pointing and shaming, often seemingly failing to do their best due to pressure, unrealistic timelines, or pure laziness. When leaders, who quickly classify themselves as Christian, remain silent on critical issues, vote for policy changes that are not reflective of Christian values, and mock profound tragedies like the murder of a congresswoman, they should be held accountable for their hypocrisy. We should be critical of their votes on our behalf, make calls, send emails, rally and if nothing changes vote them out.

Today, it's particularly hard to celebrate a country that feels increasingly distant from what it was founded upon. On this day when we celebrate our independence from a monarchy, we are also confronted by a President who tweeted a picture of himself as king. This pervasive climate of mockery and division, evidenced by the behaviors I've seen over the past few weeks and months, makes it profoundly difficult to find joy and pride in celebrating today.

We were built on the radical idea that all men are created equal, yet we see policies and rhetoric that seem to intentionally marginalize the most vulnerable, even celebrating the building of a prison for immigrants that will cost more than it would likely cost to evaluate and fix our broken immigration process.

To my fellow Christians, I know there are extremes on all sides, and navigating these waters is complex. But my call to action for you all is this: Examine your hearts. Have difficult, honest conversations with friends and family about these challenging topics. Get to know the specifics, understand the policies, and stop relying solely on politicians who have perhaps grown too comfortable. They work for us, the people. And we, as Christians in the United States, are called to believe and live by what Jesus asks of in Matthew 25:40: "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me."

Even with a heavy heart, I wish you a Happy and safe Independence Day. 

How is God calling you to act in this climate? How are you working to change things for the better, I'd love to learn from you.