exactly! and why would anyone want to live in such a country? I’d get out of that country!
Pray for the USA for sure! But there’s a big difference between praying for our country, and singing a song focused on the USA moments before or after (or even while) receiving Our Lord in Holy Communion. Many of those patriotic songs invoke God, yes, but they are not songs focused on worship of God.
Yes, it is true that the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” was written by a Unitarian to stir the morale of the troops. But God may have been using Julia Howe in ways we don’t fully understand. Unitarians might deny the divinity of Christ and might not consider the Scriptures to be the inspired Word of God, but they do read the Bible. Maybe Julia understand God’s revelation better than she knew or than we give her credit for.
Here is a priest’s perspective on the song:
At the altar, during Holy Communion, yes the focus needs to be on the Eucharist. But before that, say during the offering, it is okay to have music that is not Eucharistic. We can sing about the Saints(like Mary), virtues, or any number of things related to the message of the day. As I quoted earlier, St. Thomas stated:
Bl. John Paul said:
Patriotism is Christian. I doubt anyone hear would object to the topic of the abortion and contraception being addressed from the pulpit, even though sex has nothing to do with receiving the Holy Eucharist. Yet because it is a moral issue that should be a reflection of our faith, it is a very needed issue at Mass. Our patriotism should also be a reflection of our faith. If we keep it outside the context of Church because it does not belong, then what will form our sense of patriotism? The next charismatic dictator? Rush? If we wish to have a properly ordered patriotism, then it seems only logical that the Church is the proper teacher.
Thanks for your well-considered response. I just wanted to note that there is a difference between what’s in the homily and the worship we sing, and also that, sure, not all the hymns have to be specifically Eucharistic but I think ought to be focused on worship of God - which can be through Mary and the Saints. Most of the overtly patriotic songs don’t seem to be to focused on worship of God, but rather focused on how great the USA (or other country) is (and oh yeah, God gave it to us). I hope this makes sense. I would rather hear a hymn like Faith of Our Fathers.
Usually my parish is good. But yeah, I’m not a big nationalist to start with. Nationalism when you think about it is essentially the same thing as racism, just not as looked down upon. For this and other reasons I’m pretty jaded with the world.
benedictgal, hell might freeze over since we are in full agreement in so many weeks.
How does it relate to any Sunday Gospel reading?
Not everyone is fortunate enough to live in a country that celebrates freedom, although our freedom to worship without goverment intrusion is constant. What about patriotic songs say in Cuba, which is oppressive, or any other country that oppresses freedoms.
That is precisely why a properly ordered patriotism is necessary. You speak of Cuba, but remember the political situation when St. Thomas wrote the above quote. We do not have to agree with everything St. Thomas says, but it is certainly a legitimate opinion for a Catholic (and a priest) to agree with him. So, let’s not judge patriotism too harshly.
I had rain both yesterday, and the day before. Therefore, I submit that God must be saying I am right and you or wrong.
If yo get rain today, let me know and I will withdraw my statement. Until then, my fleece remains out.This comment isn’t about right or wrong it’s about bentigal and I agreeing on a subject.I had rain both yesterday, and the day before. Therefore, I submit that God must be saying I am right and you or wrong.
It has nothing to do with the Sermon on the mount, Take my yoke upon your shoulders, last Sunday, Sower and seed, this coming Sunday. Perhaps you can tell me a Gospel reading that it might fit.
Just having fun. I guess I should have clued you in. I am sorry for not doing so. Her and I disagree and agree on a lot. I am pretty sure we both agree on the need for rain in Texas. We go back several years here. I have any been swayed by her on occassion. However, at the end of the day I respect the choices we all make within Church guidelines and I try not to get ruffled when someone does not respect my choice because of their opinion. Musicians especially need to lighten up and not take themselves so seriously all the time. I am still working on that.