A hundred and fifty three years ago when the fathers of confederation were putting the final touches on this “new country” called “Canada”, there was some question of what to call it. Although there was support for John A. MacDonald’s reference to Canada as a “kingdom”, the suggestion of Sir Samuel Tilley (then the premier of New Brunswick) to call Canada a “Dominion” held sway. He suggested the term inspired from scripture – He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth” Ps. 72:8 (this also happens to be part of the motto for our country “A Mari Usque Ad Mare” from sea to sea).

As the years progressed, this title became more associated with an antiquated view of our history, being inconsistent with the desire to show the rest of the world, that Canada was a modern country, independent of its colonial history (not to mention that Canada day sounds much more patriotic than “Dominion Day”). So in 1982 “Dominion day” was changed to “Canada Day”. 

Not surprisingly, this desire to distance ourselves from our past by changing the name of this day, did little to change the challenges of our sorted history (both good and bad). We have to say that even a title like “Canada Day” is still a reminder of the historic racism and blatant prejudice that oppressed indigenous peoples and minorities of our country (like the 1923 Chinese Immigration Act which banned Chinese immigration) despite its best intent.

In a desire to reconcile the past, they are those who would rather ignore the fact that on July 1st 1867 a confederation of provinces was established to make this country called Canada; yet I believe there is a better way to not only celebrate this day, but also go some way at reconciling the blessings of this country with its tragic history. Maybe we should revert back to calling this day “Dominion day” or at least remembering its salvific context? 

Of course changing a name, does not change history; let alone, makes it easier for those who suffered systemic abuse and racism; but reverting to “Dominion day” recognizes (at least scripturally and spiritually) that we are not the ones who have Dominion (it is the Lord). As such we are not called to be lords or masters, but rather be ministers and servants; loving our neighbour as ourselves (Mk. 12:31)

Anyone with half a heart can realize that there is no limit on the amount of evil that can be legitimized when people (or a group of people) see themselves as owning something exclusively (like the land they inhabit) irrespective of the people that used to live there, the people who want to live there, their neighbours, or even the environment. Truly this is a tragic context akin to those wicked servants saw the vineyard (that which is not theirs), as being their own possession (Mt. 21:33-44) 

As Christians and particularly as Christian Canadians, we should take this parable to heart, lest all that we have in this country  “be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it” (Mt. 21:43). Of course the Lord is talking about the Kingdom of Heaven; indeed the Lord has Dominion over all of creation (including this parcel of land that we call Canada) and our vocation (indigenous, settler, or immigrant) is to cultivate it, in love and service, that it might reveal the fruits of the Kingdom of Heaven and render them to the Lord and the least of His brethren (Mt. 25:40) “in their season”. If we are unwilling to do it, those “nations” that this will be given to, will not be the United States, or any other country (God forbid), but rather the poor, and abused, the lost, and forgotten peoples of this country.

Regardless if we moved here generations ago (like my family -1783), or just this past year (like Fr. Serhii and his family – this past March), or if we have been connected with the land for millennia; “our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”(Philp. 31:20). So let us celebrate this secular feast day with repentance, turning to the Lord, and recognizing His compassionate Dominion and love over these lands (and all nations), and not our own fantasies of nationhood; and offer thanksgiving, for the blessings that we can see even the Kingdom of Heaven (and not the fantasies of a modern world) here and now, over these lands (and all nations).