July 4, 2024
The Fourth of July, 2024
Every year, July 4 is observed in the United States as Independence Day. Americans celebrate the independence that they won by a war of revolution against their progenitors – their former parents and guardians: the British Crown and the English Parliament.
This year, July 4 is observed in Great Britain as Election Day. Britons are expressing their will for the governance of the nation. Under the authority of their constitutional monarchy they go to the polls to choose who shall represent them as lawmakers in Parliament.
Canada looks on, perhaps ‘on the sidelines’ or perhaps ‘in the thick of things’, at the customs, ideals and struggles of one of our parents: the British and one of our cousins: the Americans. We share in the joys and the pains of both the U.K. and the U.S. As we strive to develop our own integrity, we look to/at both countries.
How do we feel about that? Do we admire them? Do we resent them? Are we envious of them? Do we have empathy for them? Do we ridicule them? Do we fear them? Do we ape them? Do we resist them? Do we learn from them? Do we teach them? Do we pray for them? Do we ever pray against them? Can we be ourselves in their presence?
Is their concern our concern?
Do we wish them the best as both they and we are called to work out our way of being nations under God?
Almighty and merciful God,
Who in thy wisdom dost divide to the nations their inheritance;
we yield Thee hearty thanks for Thy loving-kindness
in appointing this good land of Canada to be our dwelling-place.
Grant us grace so to sanctify Thee in our heritage
that the world may know that Thou art our God
for ever and ever;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.