Inscribed on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty is the following famous poem, “The New Colossus,” composed by Jewish poet, Emma Lazarus:

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

According to poets.org, Emma was asked to submit a poem to be auctioned as a fundraiser for building the pedestal for the statue. At first she declined, but later decided to use it as an opportunity to call attention to the plight of immigrants.

Phrases in the poem such as “Mother of Exiles,” “huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” and “Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me” remind us that justice, liberty, and freedom must be available for all. Lady Liberty stands with her golden torch, lighting the way for all those who seek national justice, liberty, and freedom.

The Light of the world

Jesus, the Light of the world, beckons all to come to him for rest and refuge. In Luke 4:18a-19, Jesus states his purpose and mission: “He has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to liberate the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” As we celebrate our country’s Independence Day, let’s remember that Christ’s mission has been passed on to us. Christians are anointed to proclaim justice, liberty, and freedom for all.

Question of the day: Are justice, liberty, and freedom truly for all?
Focal scriptures: 2 Samuel 9:1-7; Luke 10:29-37; Galatians 5:13-14.

For a complete lesson on this topic visit LinC.