Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Sister Cecilia Joy Kugel and Sister Maria Guadalupe Martinez Lopez wrote the poem ‘While Standing by the Flag’ for July 4, 2021. It was read at the morning flag raising ceremony. It’s message is timely for our reflection each day as we strive to live as Christians.
While Standing by the Flag
Written by Sister Cecilia Joy and Sister Maria Guadalupe
In this year of so much sickness
In this year of so much pain
We gather together around this flag
United as sisters, together again
God bless America,
The land that we love.
A country in transition
A country trying not to be in division,
But united as one people under God
So many causes to be aware of
Immigrants searching for a better life
Cultures being misunderstood and attacked
Shootings, oh the shootings Lord,
Let them end,
May the only weapon we carry be Your Word of life,
And our differences be something to celebrate.
Let this land be where God comforts His people,
Where God lets the oppressed go free
And heals the brokenhearted,
The brokenness in each one of us.
The brokenness that brings us to our knees
Praising you today as we gather round this flag.
Article Comments:
Sister Sharon Paul, O.S.F. 07/21/2021 @ 6:04 am
Thank you, Sr. Cecilia Joy & Sr. Maria Guadalupe for the timely poem on our flag. I used it as a “STARTER” for my meditation this morning. YES, may we RETURN to our American values as our forefathers lived & practiced through Our Lord Jesus Christ!