A Word from the Priest-in-Charge
Every July 4th we as Americans celebrate Independence Day. In 1776, leaders in the American colonies declared independence from England and its royal authority. Virginia certainly was at the center of this major step, and great thinkers and statesmen such as Thomas Jefferson shaped the future of this nation. We continue to reap the blessings of this heritage into the 21st century.
What does it mean to declare independence? Ultimately, it means to have some control over one’s own destiny. For the United States, independence meant freedom to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Citizens also were able to have some governance over their own economic affairs. Leaders were to be much more accountable to those who elected them—not some royal appointee carrying out orders.
When I taught a philosophy class some years ago in a community college, the final sessions dealt with the meaning of freedom. Most students of any age talked about freedom essentially as “being able to do your own thing.” Rights had to do with voting, equal treatment, property, and the right to bear arms. The last discussions revolved around responsibilities as citizens. And often the class members were hard=pressed to come up with any descriptions of responsibilities.
As Christians, we understand that, in Christ, we are truly free. But we also have responsibilities to God, neighbor and self. Most of all, we are responsible to God to worship and give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy. That’s what we’re here to do at Trinity Church. It’s not just a responsibility to worship and to attend services. It is a response to God’s love. Be truly free, come to worship God in Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit right here at Trinity Church.
Father John
