This weekend we celebrate the 4th of July, Independence Day for the United States of America, a remembrance of the signing of the Declaration of Independence that was drafted by representatives of a nation soon to be born. We have the opportunity this weekend to reflect upon the gift of freedom that is founded on certain unalienable human rights that were defined by Thomas Jefferson as Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

When we consider the human right to “the pursuit of Happiness” we must recognize that this “happiness” is not some subjective state of mind that comes and goes depending upon our current circumstances but that it is rather a stable disposition that results from a life that is well lived according to certain moral principles. Happiness is an end to a virtuous life well lived. Happiness does not result in merely attaining certain goods for oneself but involves the common good of all people and working toward that common good by living a moral life and working to attain all of the moral virtues in life.

Aristotle gives us his definition of happiness: “the function of man is to live a certain kind of life, and this activity implies a rational principle, and the function of a good man is the good and noble performance of these, and if any action is well performed it is performed in accord with the appropriate excellence: if this is the case, then happiness turns out to be an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue.” (Nichomachean Ethics, 1098a13)

The founding of our nation was characterized by those who set a higher standard for human life, community and governance. The happiness that would be shared by all citizens of this land would come from people committed to the pursuit of virtue. If this happiness was to be attained then right choices would have to be made and we would have to keep our minds and hearts set on the future end to our human lives. We would need to be a people of courageous heart, prudent discernment, temperance in our daily living and justice in rendering to each person his due, beginning with God who has so richly blessed us. In this way we also would have the “power to ‘tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy.” (Lk 10,19) In this way the Kingdom of God would be close at hand within our nation and we would enjoy prosperity and blessing as Isaiah the prophet had promised.

On this Independence Day I wish for all of you a true and lasting happiness that comes from a beautiful life of virtue. America is truly “America the Beautiful” when she shines in virtue and moral goodness. We have been given the freedom and opportunity to pursue this happiness for ourselves and for our children, may we make good use of this gift of freedom. The Kingdom of God is at hand for you. May you set your hearts and minds on this goal for your life and pursue it with a resolute determination. As Jesus reminds his disciples, our joy and happiness does not come from material gain and earthly achievement but rather because our names are written in heaven. (Lk 10,20)