One Nation

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061625.cfm

On Friday morning, I got to witness again the ceremonial folding of the American flag from the casket of a soldier who had passed away. I've seen it dozens of times, it never fails to bring tears to my eyes. On this occasion, it was the casket of my father-in-law who had served in the Korean war. He exemplified some values that seem to fly under the radar in today's America: ones that seem to run counter, even, to our all-too-familiar bravado; ones that were a little more aligned with today's Gospel.

In today's America, we underestimate the bravery that it takes to turn the other cheek, to see unity as more important than personal righteousness. Sometimes we don't understand that in order to America to rise victorious, an individual might consent to losing a battle. I am not saying that we allow wrong to win the day, but we must consider what form our retaliation will take. The ends don't justify the means. Being kind is more important than being right, and if we engage in deplorable behavior to make our point, or have our voice be heard, then what have we really defended?

My father-in-law Ed knew this. He had been in war and hated it. He never wanted to talk about his time in Korea. I didn't know him before that time, but I get the sense that it changed him. He was not about shouting down someone else, and he was never the source of drama. He would allow the tempers to flare around him and calmly support the PEOPLE, not the ideas.

I don't normally comment on politics and this is not that, but in order for us ever to be One Nation, we must be under God. Today's Gospel spells out our need to value unity over personal righteousness and this is valued nowhere, but in service of the Lord.