For whom the bells toll . . . Did the bell toll . . .

Yesterday, the Fourth of July, concluded the Fortnight for Freedom time of prayer prescribed by the American Bishops . . . for the most part. Very little, if anything happened in our diocese. I did note that one, small parish observed the time with daily Rosary and Benediction. Less than forty people showed up for morning Mass at our parish, yesterday. I later heard that it was encouraged to have every parish toll their bells at the conclusion of the Fortnight for Freedom. Granted, not many churches in our diocese have bells but given the serious need for prayer regarding our future religious freedoms, you would think that a gathering of people with various bells from home could have been organized. I guess that like everyone else, I waited for someone in charge to take charge so nothing much happened. Very disappointing that this matter isn't talked about, kept in the daily Mass petitions, and printed in each and every weekly church bulletin. Yes, such an outpouring of response to the president's attack on our Church would have drawn adverse press but silence condones it. Kind of like a shepherd who just opens the gates and the flock wander hither and yon. So, does politics come first or Faith? If we are called to defend our Faith midst the attackes against it, will we defend it? Time will tell but we really don't have that much time left.