Twelve years ago, I stepped out of the shower and heard the radio reports of a plane crashing into the World Trade Center in New York. Being a student of history, my first thought went to a similar incident which occurred during the Second World War. A B-25 bomber, lost in bad weather, hit the upper floors of the Empire State Building. A tragedy, to be certain, but an accident nonetheless.
Our current condition, however, was no accident. Throughout the day, twelve years ago, I and my co-workers managed to get a small amount of work done in between trips to the break room where the television was bringing us the minute by minute details of what was happening in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. I watched as the South Tower fell. Everyone in the nation watched in stunned disbelief.
Since that time, our nation has gone to war and won many victories. We have endured many trials and upsets to our lives which we all knew would never be the same as soon as the second plane flew hit the building. Many have died and been wounded in the service of their country. They deserve our praise and thanks. Those who died on 9/11/01 shall be remembered.
It is only by the grace of God that we enjoy our liberty and our freedom; and we forget that simple fact at our own peril. God has provided for us. He has protected us. His guiding hand can be seen at work throughout our collective history, and in our personal lives, if we only take the time to see it.
On this anniversary of 9/11/01, may we all remember the fallen and give thanks to those who stand tall in defense of our nation. Most of all, may we render honor where honor is due, praise where it is most deserved and give thanks to the most holy Name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior who delivers us from the fear and oppression of sin and the grave and gives to all who believe in him everlasting life.
Fr. Michael+
No comments:
Post a Comment