It is evident that people are in a more celebratory mood than they were a year ago. We see it each weekend as more people are returning to the celebration of Mass. We hear it in our neighborhoods as families are spending more time outdoors. And we certainly experience it on the roads as traffic is heavier than it was at this time in 2020.
In conversations regarding our plans for this summer, which for many often begins around July 4th weekend and goes through late August, there is usually a reference about some disappointment we experienced last summer or during 2020: “Well, a year ago, we couldn’t…” or “We had hoped to do this last year, but…” This is followed by optimism that this summer will be better, more enjoyable, now that COVID is subsiding.
In addition to the pandemic, there were other challenges — a flood of public debate, instances of civil unrest and the contentious election environment — all of which, even now, may have left us with an unsettled nature as we try to regain a sense of normalcy.
Despite the genuine health concerns and understandable fears that limited our full participation in the Mass and sacraments last year, during these coming weeks of summer, we are invited to reflect on our religious and other constitutionally protected liberties. We can give thanks that our freedom to worship, along with our other guaranteed freedoms, remain.
We recognize there are issues in our political and cultural landscape that are controversial, but our freedom of speech still allows us the opportunity to express our views and to work toward a resolution of our differences if the multiple sides wish to do so.
However, we do not — and cannot — take these freedoms for granted. While codified in law, they are not exempt from challenges, especially when it comes to what can be expressed in the public sphere, including on social media. And they are always subject to interpretation in the civic environment.
Nonetheless, let us express our gratitude to God for these freedoms and let us resolve, as the U.S. bishops encouraged during the recently concluded Religious Liberty Week, “to have the courage to speak the truth with grace. And let us pray that the Lord will give us the prudence to be creative and compassionate in our witness.”
Because of how limited interactions were with family and friends last year, and because I welcome the peace and joy that comes from such gatherings, I am looking forward to reconnecting with them this summer.
Long ago, I heard that the best way to avoid arguments at family get-togethers during the holidays is to not discuss religion, politics and money. Polite, i.e., civil, conversations usually try to steer clear of those topics.
It is often better to concentrate on what we have in common and what we’re able to do together. Vacations should provide a break from the intensity of work and the contentiousness that occasionally envelops our culture. They should be a time for catching our breath and listening to the ocean, crickets or cicadas; for recouping our physical and emotional energy and for rest and relaxation.
We know that once our vacations are over, we’ll have to re-enter that daily fray from which we sought respite. We’ll want to be at peace with ourselves and be able to address whatever challenges we encounter in ways that are fruitful and life-giving.
During your summer break, ask God for the grace that he will provide you with renewed energy and renewed optimism so that you can engage the world in a civil way. Come away with a mindset that allows you to hear what others say and that desires a peaceful and fruitful resolution to whatever issues you encounter.
May you have a blessed and refreshing summer!