America the Beautiful and God's Grace

This is one of the greatest hymns for the Fourth of July here in America. The lyrics by Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929) begin with reflecting on the natural beauty of Americaand the resources that helped build this nation. But the hymn quickly reminds us of that all things begin with God's grace, which perfects our nature.

As we Americans pause this weekend and this Fourth of July to reflect on our nation, its beauty and ourselves, let us particularly reflect on these lyrics from America the Beautiful:

America! America!

God mend thine ev'ry flaw,

Confirm thy soul in self-control,

Thy liberty in law.


And now, for the master who can sing this hymn like no other . . .

O beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain!

America! America!

God shed His grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet

Whose stern impassion'd stress

A thoroughfare for freedom beat

Across the wilderness.

America! America!

God mend thine ev'ry flaw,

Confirm thy soul in self-control,

Thy liberty in law.

O beautiful for heroes prov'd

In liberating strife,

Who more than self their country loved,

And mercy more than life.

America! America!

May God thy gold refine

Till all success be nobleness,

And ev'ry gain divine.

O beautiful for patriot dream

That sees beyond the years

Thine alabaster cities gleam

Undimmed by human tears.

America! America!

God shed His grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea.

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Catholic Ecology posts my regular column in the Rhode Island Catholic, as well as scientific and theological commentary about the latest eco-news, both within and outside of the Catholic Church. What is contained herein is but one person's attempt to teach and defend the Church's teachings - ecological and otherwise. As such, I offer all contents of this blog for approval of the bishops of the Church. It is my hope that nothing herein will lead anyone astray from truth.