In a recent Sunday Mass, a thought-provoking homily centered on the Gospel of Matthew (10:37-42), where Jesus emphasizes the paramount importance of God above all else, even familial love. This powerful message resonated deeply – God should indeed be at the forefront of our lives. However, the subsequent Communion meditation, a song pledging devotion to America, struck a jarring and discordant note, prompting reflection on the role of “America Songs” within religious settings.
This experience, occurring just before the Fourth of July, is not isolated. Patriotic hymns and “america songs” have become increasingly common in Catholic churches across the United States, particularly around national holidays like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving. While expressions of patriotism are natural and commendable, their prominence within the sacred space of Mass raises a fundamental question: Are we inadvertently shifting the focus of worship from the divine to the national when we incorporate “america songs” into our liturgy?
As someone creating content for payoffsong.com, I explore the intersection of music and cultural expression. Like many, I hold a deep love for my country. The Pledge of Allegiance, patriotic songs like “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America”—these resonate with a sense of national pride and unity. Having lived abroad, I understand the powerful emotions these songs can evoke, especially when representing one’s nation abroad.
However, the context of Mass is distinct. It is not a national holiday celebration, a political rally, or a sporting event. The Mass, at its core, is the re-enactment of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Introducing “america songs” into this sacred space can, for some, feel like a subordination of this central act of worship to nationalistic sentiments. The concern is not about patriotism itself, but about maintaining the primacy of God within liturgical celebrations.
Some argue that “america songs” within Mass can inadvertently overshadow the central purpose of the liturgy. These songs, often chosen as entrance or recessional hymns—moments when congregational singing is most robust—carry significant weight in shaping the worship experience. While hymns like “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” “America the Beautiful,” and “God Bless America” evoke strong patriotic feelings, their focus remains on the nation, not explicitly on divine worship.
It’s crucial to remember the theological distinction: our nation is not our savior. It did not rise from the dead, nor will it be our judge in the afterlife. The Book of Isaiah poignantly reminds us of the relative scale of nations in the divine perspective: “Even the nations are like a drop from a bucket,/ and are accounted as dust on the scales…. All the nations are as nothing before him;/ they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness” (Is 40:15-17). This perspective underscores the importance of maintaining focus on the eternal and divine during worship.
Of course, responses to “america songs” in church are varied. Many Catholics find comfort and meaning in these hymns, appreciating the opportunity to invoke God’s blessing upon their nation. As one individual noted, “At least they’re songs that I know!” The familiarity and emotional resonance of these songs can be deeply appealing.
Furthermore, some patriotic hymns possess a theological depth that aligns more closely with liturgical appropriateness. “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” often associated with military services, is a prayer directed to God, seeking divine protection and guidance. Hymns like “God of Our Fathers” also explicitly address God, making them more fitting for worship than songs primarily focused on national praise.
However, even beloved hymns like “America the Beautiful,” while invoking God’s name, primarily celebrate the beauty and virtues of the nation. The focus, despite the theistic language, remains terrestrial rather than purely celestial. The line “America! America! God mend thine ev’ry flaw” highlights a desire for national improvement under God’s guidance, yet it also subtly promotes a sense of “American exceptionalism.” It raises questions about the universality of God’s grace and concern – is God solely focused on mending America’s flaws, or is divine grace extended equally to all nations?
To gain further insight, liturgical experts offer valuable perspectives. John Baldovin, S.J., a professor of historical and liturgical theology at Boston College, expresses a clear preference against “america songs” like “America the Beautiful” in liturgy: “My reason is that they are addressed to the nation and not to God.” He contrasts these with patriotic hymns like “God of Our Fathers” which are directly addressed to the divine.
Thomas Scirghi, S.J., from Fordham University, echoes this sentiment, suggesting that “patriotic songs should be sung for gatherings which celebrate the nation.” Within liturgy, the central question remains: “to whom are we singing: to God or to ourselves?” This distinction is crucial in discerning the appropriateness of musical selections for Mass.
The Second Vatican Council’s Sacrosanctum Concilium, a foundational document on liturgy, emphasizes that sacred music “is to be considered the more holy in proportion as it is more closely connected with the liturgical action.” This principle underscores the need for music in Mass to enhance prayer, foster unity of faith, and elevate the sacred rites, all directing attention towards God and the liturgical action itself.
Father Scirghi further probes the meaning behind “God Bless America,” questioning whether it’s a statement of national pride (“Aren’t we great!”), a command to God (“We earned it!”), or a humble plea for divine blessing. If the latter, he challenges us to consider, “And what will we do in return for this blessing?” This prompts deeper reflection on the reciprocal relationship between divine favor and human responsibility.
Ultimately, the inclusion of “america songs” in Mass touches upon a delicate balance between national identity and religious worship. While expressions of patriotism are valid and heartfelt, the primary focus of the Mass, as emphasized in the Gospel, should remain unequivocally on God. At a Fourth of July parade, singing wholeheartedly to our nation is fitting and joyful. Within the Mass, however, our voices, and especially our hearts, are best directed in praise and worship of our Savior.
