A Favorite Fourth of July Hymn

Here’s a question that you’ve never been asked:  What is your favorite Fourth of July Hymn!?  Yes, you read that right.  In other words, what is your favorite patriotic hymn?  There is a pretty good selection including hymns like “America the Beautiful,” and “My Country Tis of Thee.”  As a U.S. Navy Chaplain Corp veteran, I am partial to the Navy Hymn “Eternal Father Strong to Save.”  However, none of those are my favorites.

As Catholics, we know that “Our citizenship is in Heaven…” (Philippians 3:20), words that begin the Church’s Committal liturgy at the cemetery, concluding the Order of Christian Funerals for our faithful departed loved ones.  Their souls dwell in heaven where they are fully one with Jesus, by his grace and mercy, but where they are also distinctly their perfect selves, the selves we love so dearly.  They know what we need and are praying for that, as well as accomplishing so many other great works from heaven.
 
In other words, while patriotism can be a good it is not an eternal good.  For example, if the nation to which we pledge our allegiance possesses noble virtues, such as our nation professes, virtues of justice, liberty, opportunity, the uplifting of the common good and rule of law, and if the nation pursues those virtues in truth, patriotism is a good.  However, no nation or kingdom on earth is the perfection of the Kingdom of God and of Heaven.  Nations can be led away from virtue directly and indirectly, and nations can even pursue evil.  Even the best nation falls short and can do better.
 
With the notions above in mind, and since Catholics inhabit and strive to perfect every nation on earth, in the liturgy of the Church care must be taken not to emphasize patriotism, equating one’s earthly nation into the Kingdom of God.  This tends toward, idolatry, making nation a god.

Therefore, I have one clear favorite patriotic hymn:  “O God of All the Nations” also called “This is My Song.”  The lyrics are below.
  
This hymn acknowledges the beauty and greatness of nations, but tempers patriotism and puts it in a wise and truly Christian perspective in relation to humanity’s goodness and God’s Kingdom.  Most of all, it is a prayer for peace in the world among all nations.

Happy Independence Day!  May we give thanks for the blessings and greatness of our nation and all great nations of the earth and pray for them.  Most of all may we pray for peace and be reminded from whom all good blessings flow, our Lord Jesus Christ, his Father and the Holy Spirit.
 
Food for the Poor Thank you
Thanks to parishioners who welcomed Deacons Dennis and Bob, representing Food for the Poor weeks ago.  Receiving them was love in action.  Giving to Food for the Poor is a most generous act to those Jesus preferred, as he made himself friend of the poor and neighbor to the oppressed.  Please read below a thank you from Deacon Bob.
 
Sincerely and with Love in Christ,
Fr. Pat
 
 
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Good afternoon, Father Pat.
           
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and the entire team at the Crescent Parishes for your hospitality this past weekend. It was an honor to serve at Mass and worship with you at your vibrant parishes. You were such a gracious host (and fantastic cook!)
 
On behalf of those we serve at Food for the Poor - THANK YOU!!
 
God bless you and those you love!
 
In Christ,
Deacon Bob Hornacek
Representing Food for the Poor