As they neared the end of their lives both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson expressed a desire to pass away on July 4. The year was 1826 and both men were surrounded by loved ones as their breathing became weaker and weaker, Jefferson at Monticello and Adams at Peacefield, his beloved estate in Quincy, Massachusetts. Jefferson expired at 1 p.m. and Adams at 6:20 p.m. Jefferson had been unconscious since July 2, but Adams had suffered a heart attack and remained conscious until the moment of his death. The late historian David McCullough wrote that “One was ‘the pen,’ the other was ‘the voice’ of independence.” When a visiting delegation asked Adams for his last words, he uttered, “I will give you independence forever.” Asked if he could add something more, he said, “Not a word.” Another interesting coincidence was that both men died on the 50th anniversary of the signing of The Declaration of Independence. Five years later, the fifth president, President James Monroe died on July 4.
I am intrigued by the period surrounding the Revolutionary War. Our congregational foundress, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton lived during this time and studying her life and achievements bonded me even more to the spirit of the period especially regarding the political and religious climates that challenged her, a convert to Catholicism. Today, however, in the dawn of our 250th anniversary of Independence, I am absorbed into the hefty yet almost unreachable universe of the sweeping intellectual and moral gifts of our forefathers who debated and drafted the documents that have become the heritage of the United States of America. If you study the histories of The Constitution of the United States of America, The Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights, and read these documents thoughtfully, you cannot but become overwhelmed that a group of men with diverse experiences and careers, could devise and compose such precious documents meant to protect and develop the flourishing of the human soul as a citizen. That these documents are as fresh and directive as the day they were promulgated is surely the work of the Holy Spirit. That is why to dismiss them, to alter them for personal gain, to act on them with single interpretation and not citizenry approval is nothing short of tyranny. I marvel at how our Founding Fathers, despite their personal differences, insisted on unanimity in seeking the guidance of these documents. We must oppose and challenge any person or persons who are drawn to create an oligarchy or any form of government “…that could accommodate people acting unethically or venally.” (First Principles, p. 286.)
This past week Pope Leo XIV was awarded the 38th annual Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The Pope was present virtually to accept the honor and give a presentation to some 300 attendees. He started by saying that as a son of America and an alum of Villanova, he was proud to consider his native heritage and the gifts he was provided by growing up in America. He said, “America should re-commit to the founding principles of courageous men and women.” He went on to “wish God’s blessings upon America’s future that the lofty ideas enshrined at the beginning of The Declaration of Independence may continue to guide the flourishing of the nation in unity, justice, and peace.”
Reflection
As we live this year of celebration, we must always bear in mind how close we can come to losing the democracy our Founding Fathers tried so desperately to secure. “Just after Aaron Burr nearly became president, Thomas Jefferson wrote that ‘bad men will sometimes get in and with such an immense patronage, may make great progress in corrupting the public mind and principles. This is a subject with which wisdom and patriotism should be occupied.'” (First Principles, p.286.)
What can you and I do to honor this Anniversary? I believe we need to first thank our God for our nation and the history of wise and courageous leaders who have brought us to this point. Second, if there is an organization or civic group you can join to make this a “more perfect union,” then join it. Third, learn more, study more about the history of our country. This involves reading commendable historians and/or taking classes or lectures when possible. Someone has said that slavery is not a stain on the country; it was woven on to the original fabric. How does this explain the evil of racism? Fourth, think critically of where we are today because the American experiment is still underway. Why not read the American documents and reflect on them? We must focus on ways to continue and improve this experiment. It is worth every effort.
As believers in a merciful, creative God, we have a duty to include the welfare of our country in our prayer and meditation for we are a community of souls commissioned to share God’s immense love to others so they may enjoy the same gifts of freedom and rights.
Quotes and examples are from: First Principles by Thomas E. Ricks, Harper-Collins Publisher.
In All Things Charity 
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