Preamble Promises

We the People

in Order to

form a more perfect Union,

establish Justice,

insure domestic Tranquility,

provide for the common defense,

promote the general Welfare, and

secure the Blessings of Liberty

for ourselves and our Posterity

do ordain and establish

this Constitution…

The preamble to the Constitution of the United States sets forth a vision of a society in which all people may thrive and flourish.

It envisions “a more perfect Union.” Yet we are divided.

It envisions a nation in which Justice is established. Yet too many have been denied Justice.

It is a vision of Tranquility in which her citizens dwell in peace. Yet there is great Unrest.

It is a vision in which we have strong defenses against all those who would tear us down. Yet, as mighty as we claim to be, we remain vulnerable to attack, both without and within.

It is a vision where we look out for the Welfare of all, where the Blessings of Liberty are secured for all. Yet some are well-off while others are impoverished; some are blessed, while others live in fear…as if their very existence is cursed from the moment they are born to the day of their death.

Finally, it is a vision not only for ourselves but for future generations. Yet too often it seems we are robbing our children and our children’s children (and generations of descendants to come) of the very way of life we cherish.

Evidently, it was the goal of “We the People” to set up a government whose role it would be to bring about the amazing vision described in the preamble to the Constitution. But, if there is one thing that seems clear now, it is this: governments can fail us.

It is, in fact, beyond the capacity of the government (any government) to realize this vision...if “We the People” fail to pursue these ideals and enact them in the course of our day-to-day lives. If the Constitution articulates the science that undergirds such a vision for society-at-large, it is up to us to practice the art of living out such a vision.

And it is an art. From one generation to the next we will need to plumb the depths of our diversity in search of an even deeper unity. We will need the light of humility to ignite the fires of courage and sacrifice as we commit to do whatever it takes to put right the wrongs we have done, to seek justice no matter the cost. It is up to us to de-escalate the tensions that always seem to be on the rise these days. Our world can only be as tranquil as we work each and every day for lasting peace.

If we attack each other from within, what does it matter if a strong military is able to make us secure from without? If we only have a view to stockpile blessings for ourselves while others suffer all around us, can we really claim we are a blessed society, a free society? If we pass on to the next generation only hate, fear and suspicion, have we not cursed ourselves in the making?

Can “We the People” do better? I hope so. But I do believe we will only be able to do better as each person endeavors to be better, to call forth the better angels of our nature, to summon the best of what it means to be human by humanizing one another.

For my part, I must confess I am unequal to the task on my own. I must appeal to the grace of Another who is somehow both beyond me and deep, deep within me. Daily I must cry out to God to give me strength, wisdom, humility, and creativity…to guide me in this higher way. It is a way that includes both forgiveness and repentance, mercy and a commitment to change course. The good news is: by God’s grace and forgiveness, we all have a second chance. As dark as things may seem, there is always the offer to start again. After all, God’s mercies are new every morning.

My prayer this 4th of July is just this: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lead us in the way of a true and lasting peace. Amen.

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Preamble Promises

reflections by troy cady

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*Photo by Anthony Garand via Unsplash. Creative Commons License.