The Fourth from Afar

Happy Fourth of July to one and all!

This is not the first Fourth of July I have spent out of the USA, but it is the first time I have been able to go to the terrace above my room and gaze upon some symbols that are important to those who hold or profess interest in the work of MOJ.

The first category of symbols I see are those of ancient Rome--the Republic and the Empire. They represent a good deal of the inspiration for our American republic. When I turn my gaze slightly, I see another group of symbols that also inspire. These represent the seat of Peter and of the Church universal. I am also mindful that the government that represents the American people sends ambassadors to both Rome and Peter. There won't be fireworks here tonight, so maybe later I shall go back upstairs to see all of these symbols awash in light and to reflect, to ponder on what they mean to me as a participant in MOJ if nothing else. My initial impressions of what these sights mean follow:

I think the most important symbol upon which I shall gaze is the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. Impressive it is, and on the scale of the purely architectural, it is the tallest and broadest structure on the skyline of Rome. But that is not what fancies me the most about it.

What ultimately captivates me is the manner in which this dome symbolizes an early disciple who, after some stumbling, went boldly amongst the cultures, the people he met to proclaim the good news. Now, as lawyers, some of us may say that is a risky venture given some of our recent contributions to MOJ. Recalling the rich conversation over the past few days regarding establishment, Peter was not interested in establishing a State religion (this reflects some of my argument on why the American people and their legal institutions need a solid definition of "establishment"). He was, on the other hand, desirous to be bold enough to suggest, to teach, to enlighten those who might choose to listen to him so that they might improve human existence in the most meaningful of ways not just for themselves but for everyone. Sounds like a pretty good model of citizenship, but I digress.

Peter did not have the State backing him, and that is quite clear since there were times when the State was trying to silence Peter. But, he spoke, and he did so in a way that was public, respectful, and virtuous. Ah, yes, virtues. We have seen a bit about that over the past few days in MOJ. But, again, I digress.

Might we who celebrate our national day today be courageous to do the same and follow Peter and his example? In a manner of speaking, today we celebrate not only independence but also interdependence. For that is what the American Constitution proclaims. It begins with "We the people..." It doesn't say "Some of the people..." Nor does it open with "A few of the people..." It also states that We the People, for the objective of forming a "more perfect union to establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the commons defence, and secure the Blessings of Liberty" enter this union not just for ourselves but for our Posterity as well. We are all in the American experiment (a term that I hope might be put aside one day soon) together. Each of us who has some faith in Catholic Legal Theory/Thought probably also have some faith in the one whom Peter followed, succeeded, and died for. It does not appear that Peter shouted, threatened, or tried to outmaneuver. He did try to convince others in his public debates with reason and faith. Should we be any different as lawyers who are members of the American city but who also claim to be citizens of the City of God?

As MOJers (is this a proper noun?), as lawyers, as people of Faith, are we willing to follow Peter and the example he set? Or are we content with the model of Rome without Peter? Some of the symbols I gaze upon speak of democracy for some, as long as one was a citizen of Rome. Others proclaim democracy for all if you also claim to be a citizen of two cities.

As we declare and celebrate our independence, might we also profess our willingness to follow Peter and to be bold and virtuous; to be prudent and wise; but most of all, as John Paul II often repeated scripture, not to be afraid.

Having read this morning's NY Times on line, it struck me that there are many substantive issues abrewing, including who shall succeed Sandra Day O'Connor, that could benefit from our experience as intellects and citizens. But in addition, we are also willing to speak from our faith, and we do so not to impose but to propose as John Paul II exhorted. Peter was independent in his own way, and this enabled him to speak and inspire. I pray that some of us may elect to follow in his path so that we may demonstrate to the skeptics of our world that we desire to participate not only in a weblog but also in the res publica where the voice of MOJ members should surely be welcome.

Again, happy Fourth!    RJA sj