A more melancholy day even than it frequently is, this Memorial Day, but a full-throated rendition of America the Beautiful at the end of Mass reminded me of justifiable pride, too. Or not pride so much as a sense of esprit, of fellowship across two centuries and more with those who've died in defense not only of the American idea, but, living John 15:13, in unhesitating defense of their families, their neighbors, their descendants -- all who had given, and would give, that American idea flesh, working freedom into the very soil, singing it out with every breath. And despite the great sin of slavery, that aching and sometimes still bleeding wound, a promise we make to each other without irony.



Not confusing our categories. Not hoping for a theocratic state. But working out in our civic and political life the implications of our beliefs. In all things remembering Him whose atoning sacrifice broke our shackles and stamped freedom on our very soul.