July 2, 2023, 12:00 PM
On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted for independence and on July 4th formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. Philadelphia held the first annual celebration of independence on July 4, 1777. The tradition of patriotic celebration became widespread and in 1870 Congress made July 4th a federal holiday. The Fourth of July became a major focus of leisure activities, festivities, concerts, parades, and especially an occasion for family get-togethers. Until a few years ago, we celebrated the Fortnight for Freedom. It ran for 14 days from June 22 to July 4 and focused on religious freedom. That changed to Religious Freedom week and is celebrated June 22-29.
Each Mass we celebrate our religious independence and gather as the family of Christ. Through the Penitential Act and the reception of Holy Communion we gain our independence from the slavery of sin and receive God’s grace. The Code of Canon Law (CIC can. 1246) and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2192) tell us that “Sunday is to be observed as the foremost holy day of obligation in the Universal Church.” The Second Vatican Council told us this needs to have our full, active, conscious participation. So, we are bound to participate in the Mass. Jesus ordained His priests and instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper. For nearly 2,000 years the successors of the Apostles have ordained priests who then celebrated the Mass so we can receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. What possible reason could there be for any member of the Body of Christ to willingly not participate in Mass? There isn’t one! Now you know!
