What Great Nation Is There As We?

No, this is not an election pitch!  I just couldn't help but think of our Country today as I read the first reading from Mass where Moses says to the Israelites ". . . For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? . . . However, take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children's children."   (Dt 4:1, 5-9)

When I think of all our Country stands for and the positive influence we have had as a people upon the world community, I am grateful that we still stand as "one nation under God"  with most of us still adhering to the faith we profess.   Do we ever consider amidst our many national blessings, all that God has done for us in the past and all God is doing for and with us today?  Oh yes, on Thanksgiving, a wonderful national holiday, we do pause to give thanks.  Thanksgiving should be offered everyday.

Have these values endured in our nation?  Does God's goodness ring out in our words and actions?  Have we passed on the spiritual wealth of remaining close to God Who wants to be close to us, to our children and our children's children?

I was reading an excerpt from Matthew Kelly's book Rediscover Jesus and came upon his sharing of the age-old question of unanswered prayer.  Kelly masterfully shares the simple fact that most of our prayers can be answered by each other, not by God.  Sure, there are circumstances when only God can help someone, but most of the time, God sends us to answer the prayer.

For instance, we can answer the prayer to God to help the homeless on a cold night, the prayer to alliviate the suffering of a the starving child, the prayer to comfort those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.   Too readily, we delegate God's mission to be as a powerful Avenger, coming from the sky to help these and other people, when actually, God is waiting for us to be instruments of healing and help.  There are so many other examples.

How are we doing as a nation, as God's instruments?  How am I doing?  Until I focus on others and not on my own needs, I will never do my part to help the enduring values of Christian love, caring and faithful suffering continue to be the foundation of our nation's spiritual heritage.   It takes selflessness.  It takes sacrifice.   It takes Resurrection dying and rising to go beyond seeking only what I want now, when I want it and how I want it.   Jesus, My Resurrection and My Life, grant that I may RISE with You!