World News
Faith in God always lived 'in the company of others,' says archbishop
Published: June 28, 2012
LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- In solidarity with U.S. Catholics participating in prayers and public witness during the "fortnight for freedom" leading up to Independence Day, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles urged Catholics to rededicate themselves to the nation's founding freedoms. "We are concerned that America is losing its will to promote and defend our most basic freedoms: the freedom of religion and the freedom of conscience," said Archbishop Gomez in his welcoming remarks during mid-morning Mass June 24 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. He explained that the U.S. bishops' "fortnight for freedom" prayer and action activities sought to enlighten leaders and promote among citizens "a real appreciation for what our nation's founders knew: That our human rights come from God, not from government." In his homily, he emphasized that it's important to remember that "this 'fortnight' is not about politics. It's about God and our relationship with God. It's about our freedom to do what our faith in Jesus Christ requires." Reflecting on the day's Gospel about how people rejoiced with St. Elizabeth upon the birth of her son, St. John the Baptist, the archbishop pointed out that the Scripture passage reveals an important truth about our faith and our relationship with God. "We find God, and we live our faith in God --- not alone by ourselves --- but always in the company of others," said Archbishop Gomez. "That's why religious liberty is much more than our personal freedom to pray and worship. Because our faith is social, we are called to live our faith in Jesus with others and for others."
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