Called to Live O Canada

Kiya Bruno, from the Samson Cree Nation in Alberta,
sang O Canada in Cree and English Blue Jays game on the weekend.

Yesterday our son, Isaac, got it right as a worship leader, having the congregation sing O Canada at the conclusion of the outdoor service by the Bay of Quinte in Trenton. I always chose to sing our national anthem following the benediction as a reminder that patriotism can be idolatry, but God's people can be grateful for the gifts of the country in which they live. It was a special moment when our almost-four-year-old grandson asked to be lifted up in my arms as we sang. It is my deep desire that he grow up in a Canada of abundance for all, justice for all, beauty for all.

This morning I listened to Bruce Heyman, former US ambassador to Canada, on CBC radio as he reflected on his time in that role and his affection for this country. When asked about his favourite Canadian song he chuckled about the trouble he got in when he appeared to show partiality to one town or another, so he diplomatically chose O Canada. When asked what he valued most about the country -- are we just poorly armed Americans with better healthcare? -- he spoke about our values and place on the world stage, essentially "punching above our weight" (my phrase, not his.)

Another good answer, it seems to me, and one with which I concur. It's so odd and rather sad that Canada has become such a secular nation. When we no longer allow God to be part of our understanding of the world, in whatever expression of the deity we choose, we run the risk of being less inclined toward gratitude, to make false assumptions about what we deserve, who is "in" and who is "out", and more inclined toward xenophobia.



New Canadians sing O Canada before Kitchener Rangers game earlier this year

This said, I love that Canadians still practice hospitality and welcome the stranger -- more than any other country in the world last year --, that we are leaders globally in maternal health, and that we will actually argue over the ways in which we support our own "least of these" without toxic incivility -- most of the time. For me these values reflect the Good News of Jesus Christ, even if that is not worn on our sleeves.

God bless Canada, God keep our land, glorious and free, not as jingoistic slogans but as reminders that when we are blessed we are called to be a blessing.

Any Canuck thoughts about this?