In God We Trust

Today’s responsorial psalm

R.    In you, my God, I place my trust.

You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High,

    who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,

Say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,

    my God, in whom I trust.”

R.    In you, my God, I place my trust.

For he will rescue you from the snare of the fowler,

    from the destroying pestilence.

With his pinions he will cover you,

    and under his wings you shall take refuge. 

R.    In you, my God, I place my trust.

Because he clings to me, I will deliver him;

    I will set him on high because he acknowledges my name.

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him;

    I will be with him in distress. 

R.    In you, my God, I place my trust. (91:1-4, 14-15)

According to Wikipedia: "In God We Trust" (sometimes rendered "In God we trust") is the official motto of the United States and of the U.S. state of Florida. It was adopted by the U.S. Congress in 1956, replacing E pluribus unum, which had been the de facto motto since the initial 1776 design of the Great Seal of the United States. 

While the earliest mentions of the phrase can be found in the mid-18th century, the origins of this phrase as a political motto lie in the American Civil War, where Union supporters wanted to emphasize their attachment to God and to boost morale. The capitalized form "IN GOD WE TRUST" first appeared on the two-cent piece in 1864 and has appeared on paper currency since 1957 and on post stamps since 1954. 

Some groups and people have objected to its use, contending that its religious reference violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. These groups believe the phrase should be removed from currency and public property, which has resulted in numerous lawsuits…The motto remains popular among the American public. According to a 2003 joint poll by USA Today, CNN, and Gallup, 90% of Americans support the inscription "In God We Trust" on U.S. coins; however, a 2019 student poll by College Pulse showed that only 53% of students supported its inclusion in currency. 

We are all faced with many fowlers wielding their snares.  Therefore, when next we make a purchase, instead of pulling out our credit cards with no emblazoned “IN GOD WE TRUST,” let’s use our cold, hard cash, and reflect on the meaning of that phrase.  How about we silently say: “In you, my God, I place my trust. Because you cling to me, I will deliver you; I will set you on high because you acknowledge my name.  God shall call upon me, and I will answer God; I will be with God in distress.”

Amen!

Deacon David Pierce