Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Before coming to the U.S., I had heard many wonderful things about this country—it’s often described as the greatest and most powerful nation in the world. I never imagined I'd be here, but thanks to God, I am. As a newcomer, I find myself reflecting on a question that many of you may have pondered: What truly makes this country the greatest?

Some said that America's greatness lies in its abundance of food, its vast and beautiful landscapes, or its fundamental freedoms, economic power, military strength…

Coming from a third-world country, I believe that America's true greatness lies within the people who make these attributes. True power comes from within. What defines a person’s greatness or weakness is their inner strength—the will to achieve, the mindset that influences actions. Thus, America’s greatness stems from the wisdom and intelligence of those who have strived to make this country exceptional. As Moses spoke to the Israelites, "This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people." Your actions, wisdom, and intelligence shape this nation’s greatness. You, the citizens, are the architects of this nation.

However, it’s also important to ask where this inner strength comes from. Moses said, “For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him?” The true power of our will comes from above. Man cannot achieve true greatness without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As St. James reminds us, “All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”

Just the power of the mind and will come from within so too do evil actions arise from within. Jesus said, “The things that come out from within are what defile. All these evils come from within.” Both good and bad actions are born from our inner selves.

But why do people not choose to do only good things? It depends on the way we use our freedom, the power of the will, and the minds in our hearts. When our heart is right with God, our conduct follows suit. Our actions, godly or pagan, begin in our minds. If our minds and hearts are covered with earthly things, then we will do earthly things.

We are made for great and for God, Not for the world. “The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” ― Pope Benedict XVI.

We must purify our inner selves because our true greatness comes from within.

On this Labor Day, as we honor and appreciate the efforts of many, let us also reflect on the use of our inner power where are the source of our actions. Let us use blessings and power God has given us from within to serve our community and others as God wants.

May God bless us all, and may God bless America.