MONDAY, July 5 Independence Day (observed)

Deuteronomy 10:17-21. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Let it be recalled at each Independence Day that Americans, like the Israelites of old, have come out of oppression and bondage in their "Egypt"--Europe originally, but now from elsewhere as well--into a land of freedom, flowing with milk and honey (and let us not forget the underside of this story--our ancestors dispossessing the innocent natives of their land and freedom). The author of our reading from Deuteronomy was a Hebrew theologian who reflected on God's character: "a great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe" and "loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing."

Nowadays we hear too many Americans talking about recent refugees and migrants from other lands as if they had forgotten that their own ancestors were once strangers in the land of Egypt. God willed that his people should be free some three thousand years ago. He willed that our ancestors should be free. He wills that we share our freedom and abundance in this good land with all who long for it and will try to use freedom well. God bless America, that she may never shut her doors to those who are free in hope and in spirit. (1983)

PRAY for the Diocese of Eastern Himalayas (North India)

Ps 145 or 145:1-9; Hebrews 11:8-16; Matthew 5:43-48

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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Christ's Patriots

Jul 05, 2010 at 8:10 am

Written by Stephen,

This a beautiful framing of our heritage not only as Americans, but as those called by Christ to be reminded where we came from and that we should treat others kindly as we were also once strangers to this land and faith. As our world shrinks and we face the reality that we are not a superior class, I feel challenged to lighten my "footprint" on this fragile world, but also to not leave my boot print on others through the exertion of my world view.

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...

Jul 05, 2010 at 8:38 am

Written by Pamela,

Were that this beautiful passage could be read and pondered by all on both sides of the current (and strident) debate over immigration. In the last analysis, we are all immigrants, all nomads and the children of same. Christ was an itinerant teacher. As the world gradually becomes smaller, may we become big enough to welcome the stranger.

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Freedom from fear

Jul 05, 2010 at 10:17 am

Written by SJMS,

Seven years ago today my stranger husband and I were married in the Episcopal church. He came from a violent country where there would be little chance of a rewarding career, and lots of chances to be kidnapped or killed. A chance to be left in relative peace is all he wanted--he found me too, and his 2 beautiful girls found him. Relative freedom from fear is a powerful gift of the USA--with God's help we'll continue to feel it.

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Moses?

Jul 05, 2010 at 11:24 am

Written by Bill Taylor,

Quote:"The author of our reading from Deuteronomy was a Hebrew theologian who reflected on God's character:" I never heard that Moses, the writer of Deutoronomy, was a theologian.
Aside from that, if you remember, the Hebrews had to fight their way into the Promised land. The only time the Bible says anything about violating the laws of the land are in cases where the law violates God's law. Illegal means not lawful. This country is made up of immigrants who paid the price, learned the language, and adjusted their lives to become Americans. Not to become Irish Americans, Italian Americans, Mexican Americans or any other hyphenated sub culture, but Americans period.

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Over and over . . .

Jul 05, 2010 at 12:50 pm

Written by Mary C.,

. . . I am impressed by how timely these republished writings, some of them (though not this one! written before I was born, still are!

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