Come to Me and I Will Give You Rest

Still in the Spirit of 250th anniversary of American Independence. We thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon this nation: freedom, opportunity, generosity, and the ability to welcome and assist people from around the world. I am convinced that these blessings have not been given to America alone. Like every blessing from God, they are meant to be shared. Throughout the history of America, it has provided education, humanitarian aid, medical research, charitable outreach, and opportunities that have touched countless lives across the globe. For me this is part of the celebration as well. It can't be taken for granted. I can speak personally about that blessing. God, in His providence, opened doors for me through scholarships that allowed me to complete two master's degrees in less than four years. Those opportunities have deepened my faith, strengthened my ministry, and equipped me to serve God's people to the best of my ability. I see this not simply as a personal achievement but as a gift from God, made possible through the generosity and educational institutions of this country. It is a reminder that when we truly place our trust in God, He often leads us to places we never imagined and provides for us in ways we could never have planned. That is why the national motto, "In God We Trust," is much more than words printed on our currency. It expresses a truth that today's Gospel proclaims. Trusting in God means believing that He knows the way when we cannot see it, that He provides when we feel empty, and that He gives us rest even during hard work and sacrifice. The rest Jesus promises is the peace that comes from knowing that our lives are securely held in the hands of a loving Father. The Lord's invitation remains open today: "Come to me." If we accept that invitation with humble hearts, He will give us the strength we need, the peace we long for, and the rest that only He can give. May we continue to live by those words: "In God We Trust," not only as the motto of a nation, but as the conviction of our hearts. Amen.