Patriotism: For Love of God and Country

Marya Hayes explains why our job as Christians includes love for our country - and all our neighbors.

Patriotism. The definition is: love for or devotion to one's country. A patriot is a person who loves, supports, and defends his or her country and its interests with devotion. Let us face it, one way or another we were given the gift of our country. All gifts come from our Creator. I am especially proud at times to be an American because of the way we are innovative, humanitarian, and cultivate diverse cultures within our nation.

In this current tense environment, it is easy to be labeled and dismissed or even harmed. I want to remind myself and those around me that America is still a good place to be. Not every part of a person’s history is devoid of sin, and not every part of a nation’s history is stellar. Overcoming injustice is part of necessary progress. Forward movement is part of being innovative. Charity and humility are signs of holiness. While it’s true that you can have corrupt individuals within a good construct, it doesn’t mean the institution has lost its value or meaning. Our Church and our country are two of those valuable institutions that I would never want to lose.

Recently I was reminded of the oaths of allegiance taken by naturalization applicants, those in office, and those serving in our military. I think it’s helpful to remind ourselves that many love this country, and these oaths serve as a pledge of that love.

Oath of Naturalization Applicants:

“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.” 

Oath of Office:

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”

Oath for Enlistment and Oath for Commissioned Officers:

“I, (name of enlistee), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

“I, [officer], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”

I know that many who are silent are afraid, confused, or just don’t know how to proceed without getting caught in the crossfire. Our job as Christians is essentially always the same. It is the same plain and simple message. Love your neighbor as yourself. Pray for your enemies. In this way prayers may convert the sinners and those who create chaos and division. In your actions of love, you may change hearts. It is also true that there may be increasing Christian persecution and martyrdom.

In choosing to be Christian we are at risk. Being a Christian in America may not be as easy as it was in previous years. Increase your prayer life and your sacramental life that you may be strong enough to endure and triumph in Christ in the coming days. Be encouraged that you are not alone, and you are loved. Your country was founded on solid principles and your God awaits you to call upon Him. “So help me God.”

In your actions of love, you may change hearts. #catholicmom

Copyright 2020 Marya Hayes
Images (top to bottom): Copyright 2017 WLD1 Photography, all rights reserved, used with permission; Copyright 2020 Leah Vukmir, all rights reserved, used with permission, Copyright 2017 WLD1 Photography, all rights reserved, used with permission.