All over the United States, the almost melodic refrain of oooooooh and aaaaaaaaah on the Fourth of July represents the tintinnabulation of a liberty bell first rung so long ago. The expressions made when fireworks crackle and explode in the night's sky ring forth an expressed joy and pride in liberty and in our country that no one word can adequately represent.

Perhaps it is fitting that no single world can define the joy we have in being Americans. For now, at least, the oooh's and aaah's will have to suffice.

The popular patriotic song "God Bless the USA," sung by Lee Greenwood, includes the following lyrics:

If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life,

And I had to start again with just my children and my wife,

I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today

'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away.

I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free

And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me

And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land

God bless the U.S.A.

When I first heard this song, I was one of the millions who was wrapped up in its apparent red-white-and-blue aura of patriotism. I am almost ashamed to admit that when I first heard it at a stadium sung by thousands, I didn't want people to notice that I was trying to stifle my tears.

As time went on, I began to analyze the words of this song. I believe they still hold true, but I am somewhat embarrassed by the narrowness of this song's viewpoint. Is there no global concern of our country, other than defending freedom as we define freedom? And does freedom have to be defined by fighting?

Jesus Christ, as a counter-cultural person in his Roman-Jewish world, defines freedom as always containing elements of responsibility and compassion on the part of the government and its people. Jesus was a pacifist and would never approve an anthem which clothes patriotism in a mantle of bellicose terms.

In light of the Christian viewpoint, I would like to share with you some of my reasons as to why I am proud to be an American:

---Unlike most countries, the United States does not hide the fact that we have homeless and poor. We try --- many times feebly, but try nonetheless --- to feed and shelter all.

---While we still seem to be a racist and homophobic society, we at least talk about the inequity in these situations, and I believe we are making at least baby steps in the right direction.

---Women and the aged have positive voices in our government, unlike in at least half the countries of the world.

---Children are treated as people of worth. Education and nourishment is seen as their entitlement in our country.

---It is part of the American culture to be generous to people in need. Some say this is because we have the most money. I say generosity has little to do with money. I truly question whether, if other countries had more personal wealth, they would be as generous. Sharing one's wealth is not imbedded in many cultures and countries.

---Finally, we see religion as something noble. Our society aims to respect people of all religions and people of no faith whatsoever. For me, this is an ultimate freedom.

Certainly, we fall short in many of many of my own observations. However, ours is a country that encourages people to question and challenge so that situations may become better. This alone makes me want to look at the sky, thank God, and say oooh and aaah. Happy Fourth of July!

Augustinian Father Gary Sanders is pastor of Our Mother of Good Counsel Church, Los Angeles.