Shirin McArthur

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Today is the Fourth of July. We celebrate Independence Day, the birth of our nation. As we gather for parades, picnics, and fireworks, it seems a good time to ponder the idea of citizenship.

If asked about their citizenship, most of us would say we are “US citizens.” There also might be many others who simply say “American,” not realizing that the Americas encompass everything from arctic Canada to the southern tip of Chile.

Sometimes, over the centuries, faithful Christians have responded that they are citizens of the “Kingdom of God” or “Reign of God.” In doing this, they are following Jesus, who clearly stated that he had no earthly kingdom, nor any desire for one.

Jesus lived in Galilee, but he crossed borders regularly into the Decapolis, Samaria, and Judea (where Jerusalem was located). The “nation” of Israel did not exist at that time. Jesus didn’t raise a Galilean flag, and he didn’t denounce the Samaritans like his fellow citizens frequently did.

Thus, anyone today who seeks to build a “Christian” nation is not truly following Jesus. Christians hold citizenship in political countries across this world, but we belong first and foremost to the Reign of God, which transcends every political boundary. Fr. Henry and I transcend boundaries whenever we minister along the US-Mexico border. Citizens of the United States of America do this, at least metaphorically, whenever we sponsor a refugee family or support overseas ministries.

Here's another aspect to citizenship. July is also the month when the first human steps were taken upon the moon. Gazing toward earth from the moon, it is impossible to see any political boundaries. That perspective reminds us that perhaps our most crucial citizenship is in this “fragile earth, our island home,” as Eucharistic Prayer C puts it. Storms, fires, and pollution take no notice of political boundaries. Neither do migrating birds and windblown seeds.

What citizenship is most important to you and why?

Peace,

—Shirin

A version of this message first appeared on my blog on June 30, 2019.