Is being a citizen a big deal?
These days, there is a lot of talk in my country about citizenship and what it means to be a Canadian. This is not a usual topic of conversation. We frequently don’t talk about being a Canadian or patriotism on July 1, which is Canada Day. So why now?
Canada feels it is facing an existential threat from our former ally and friend to the south. It is making Canadians re-think how they spend their money, where they vacation, and what jobs they are willing to take. It seems we may not talk about Canada to the same level that we feel about it.
So what about dual citizens? How do people with two, or more I suppose, citizenships feel about things at this moment? This question is really at the heart of today’s sermon. Each of us, according to Paul in our epistle lesson, is a citizen of heaven, “But our citizenship is in heaven.” (Philippians 3:20a NRSV) If that’s true, then each of us is a dual citizen. We are citizens of whichever country and of heaven. So what does this mean for us? I hope I answered this question in the sermon. As always, let me know what you think as you are inclined and able.
Blessings,
