Egypt is Free!

One cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of joy at the realization of a decades long struggle for a people who have suffered under dictatorial rule. It is moments such as these that humanity as a whole can rejoice at the value of freedom and pause for a moment to reflect on the precious freedoms we enjoy and so often take for granted. These reminders of the price of liberty help us to place in perspective our own struggles.

My sincere prayer is that the sacrifices offered by all Egyptian people will yield equality for all Egyptian people. Women, the poor, and other minority religious groups such as Christians deserve a new place in this country's future. The challenge now will be to build a country that values all people equally.

As Christians we must place the struggle for political, economic, and social freedom in the context of our spiritual struggle. However our struggle finds fruition not in the fight against tyranny, and never violence, but rather in the surrender of our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls to the will of God. Uttering this sentence may seem to be most abstract declaration one can make in a world where we are constantly called to action for a cause. However, before we can act in the service of God we must first pause, and allow God to work in us.

There is a constant temptation for us to believe that we can do all things by ourselves. Our studies of scripture, theology, and the Church, our service to others, and the recognition of our gifts are all meaningful components of a healthy spiritual life. But if we do not acknowledge that all these are gifts from God then we have placed the glory for salvation and grace on the crown of our heads as a laurel.  When Paul reflects on the strength that comes from his weakness he is not humiliating himself. Instead, he is placing his life and influence in the proper perspective.  As servants of God we are instruments of his grace. In fulfilling our call we are not becoming God, just answering the call to imitate him.

Today is a day of celebration for the Egyptian people. Tomorrow will be the day when the real work of building a nation begins. I pray that God will bless them with patience and sound judgement, and that they will protect the innocent and the one's who have always been closest to the heart of Jesus Christ.