Aside from attending Mass and belonging to St. Norbert Catholic Church in Orange, CA, there is also a small group called “Christ In You.” Don’t bother looking it up online — there is no web page. Why? Technically challenged, perhaps, but doing powerful work for the Lord. It is through this group that missionary trips have come forth.

Today is an ordinary Sunday for most — but not for this one. The lesson today is drawn from one of the most compelling figures in all of Scripture: the Apostle Paul. Paul authored the Epistles, including his letter to the Philippians — today’s text. He wrote that letter from prison, yet never lost his joy or his sense of direction. How does a man imprisoned radiate such joy?

Our world — our country — is imprisoned by the lies of the enemy. Never has there been such a deliberate suppression of truth. Speak plainly on social media, say something that does not conform to the prevailing narrative, and the response is swift: labeled, blasted, called a hater. Yet the truth will always be the truth. Paul never once surrendered to lies. He sat in chains not because he was a criminal, but because he was a Christian.

So how does one navigate a society tangled in a web of deception? Remember the characteristics of Christ: humility, servanthood, mercy, and love. The call is to be His example. This country needs God more than ever — and just like the Philippians, it needs the encouragement of knowing that God still sits on the throne, waiting for His people to unite in prayer.

Pray for this nation. Pray that God remains woven into all that is stood for. The closing hymn at Mass today was America the Beautiful — a fitting benediction for this Fourth of July.

Have a blessed Fourth of July!