In this month as we celebrate our nation's independence, we honor five holy ones from our country's history who shaped the society we might become. Along with Junípero Serra (1), we reflect on the contributions of Blessed Charlie Rodríguez Santiago, lay catechist of Puerto Rico (13), Mohawk healer Kateri Tekakwitha (14), priest martyr Blessed Stanley Rother of Oklahoma (28), and Capuchin counselor Blessed Solanus Casey (30).

You are a disciple. Jesus has sent you on ahead of him to preach and heal—to bring the deep peace of God to people. It’s a bit frightening at times, this mission you’re on, because it’s a path that doesn’t promise much earthly security and sometimes leaves you vulnerable. Like the way of the cross, it can be difficult, even painful. At times you may even face rejection.

The Departed (2006) was a movie about how, in the battle between good and evil, the two sides often come to resemble each other. Martin Sheen, perhaps the closest thing to a righteous person in the story, has just made a choice to save someone that will cost him his life. He closes the door, takes a breath, and makes the sign of the cross instinctively and without drama. One door closes; another, we believe, swings wide on eternity.

Growing up, my brothers and I never received an allowance from Mom or Dad. At 12 years old we started working in the family grocery store on Friday evenings and Saturdays.

When Jesus sent the 72 out to share the Good News, he instructed them to take no money, to rely on the hospitality of others, and to bring wishes of peace to all whom they met. They were to be missionaries and pilgrims for peace.

Late one spring night a police sergeant was flagged down by a driver whose car had just collided with another vehicle. The driver in the other car was unconscious and the car’s engine burst into flames just as the sergeant called for an ambulance, according to a report in the local newspaper.

All the Earth cries out to God, the psalm says today. In a spirit of worship we place ourselves before the mercy of God.

Justice is like the kingdom of God—it is not without us as a fact, it is written within us as great yearning.