repentance or destruction for the u.s.a.?
"The country cannot endure all his words." —Amos 7:10
Today in the U.S.A., we celebrate the founding of our country. Traditionally, we have pledged that our country is "one nation under God." Our government and law are founded on many Christian principles. Traditionally, our leaders and citizens have generally attributed our abundant blessings to the favor of the Lord.
However, gradually throughout our history (especially in the last fifty years), many of our citizens have turned away from the Lord or never accepted Him. Some even defy Him by blatantly disobeying Him in abortions, promiscuity, violence, racism, and other serious sins. Thus, we are not "one nation under God."
Therefore, our nation is deteriorating. Married couples are often adulterous (see Am 7:17). Our children are both victims and perpetrators of violence (see Am 7:17). Our land is being sized up for destruction (Am 7:17). We are receiving the wages of sin, that is, death (Rm 6:23).
"Yet, even now, says the Lord, return to Me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning" (Jl 2:12). "Perhaps He will again relent and leave behind Him a blessing" (Jl 2:14).
Prayer: Father, teach me that patriotism is primarily repentance.
Promise: "Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven." —Mt 9:2
Praise: St. Elizabeth spent the last days of her life reconciling her son and son-in-law.
Reference: (For information or to register for our Discipleship Retreats: "The New Evangelization," July 10-12, "You Too Go Into My Vineyard: The Lay Vocation," July 12-14, "Discipleship, Redemptive Suffering, and Mary," July 17-19, or "Using Our Spiritual Gifts..." July 19-20, call 937-587-5464 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 4, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 2001