September 11, 2001

Ten years later we still hear attempts to describe September 11, 2001: "The greatest tragedy", "The outrage", "The obscenity", "The disaster", "The catastrophe". Even these words cannot quite describe that awful experience. None of us will ever forget the terror we felt on that day. Thousands of people died because of the blind hatred of strangers. We all paused and wondered about all the pain. We gathered in churches, synagogues and temples looking to pray, to remember, to ask questions.

The grief of thousands of families and friends continues to resonate on this tenth anniversary. All week on television we have re-lived the experiences of grieving families once again. This anniversary summons up traumas of the past for many, as we feel the old wounds once more. Griefis like a slow drip, it wears away at us if left unattended. May those hurting families find a sacred space to share their grief with people who do not have a short shelf-life for the sufferings of others. So many people who have suffered a loss feel pressure to move on to other things fairly quickly in our results-oriented society. I hear that all the time in my grief workshops.

We listened to heroic stories about police and firefighters, as well as thousands of volunteer who worked tirelessly to rescue people. Thousands of ministers from many churches gathered at the site for days to listen to the anguish of stricken families and exhausted rescuers. Fr. Mychal Judge, O.F.M., a chaplain with the New York City Fire Department, who has been called "the saint of 9/11, asked the Lord to take him where he was supposed to go, then "keep me out of your way." He died that day.

Will we ever forget the pictures on TV or the newspapers - images of sacrifice, death and heroic generosity. In one image a young fireman, Michael Kehoe, a 9/11 survivor, is ascending the stairs as office workers quickly descend. John Labriola, an employee of the Port Authority of New York reportedly said: "The one conclusion I came to on 9/11 is that people in the stairwell ... really were in the 'state of grace'. They helped each other. They didn't panic. Most people are basically good. I know this with certainty, because I had gone through the crucible. What a great example people left: be selfless, help the person around you and get through it." Yes, Grace is everywhere, even at Ground Zero on 9/11. God breaks through the darkness; through the light of love coming from people's hearts.

How has 9/11 changed ME - changed YOU? Ten years later, do I detect a greater peace in my heart? Am I aware of negative energy within me, which I feed daily and which "leaks" into my daily life? Hatred had captured the mind and heart ofthe terrorist strangers. Hatred can also capture us and impact our decisions and choices. How do I deal with hatred? How do you?

If death were to come to me today ... this hour ... this moment ... how would I meet it? What work do I need to do? At many of my spirituality workshops, I start with a question to the participants: "If you live with others, how did you leave them this morning?" Was it with kindness and affection? Or did you leave with a harsh tone in your voice, or worse, without speaking because of an ongoing argument? We all get angry, frustrated and exasperated on occasions with one another. But these are side issues. Nothing, nothing is more important than the quality of our relationships. If we need to repair them, then let's do it. Do you need to ask for forgiveness? Ask. Do you need to extend an apology? Do it. Should we be more appreciative of the efforts of others? Tell them. Do you miss opportunities to show kindness, encouragement and gratitude? On this tenth anniversary of 9/ 11, let's look harder. Over three thousand people never came home that day. May they rest in peace.

The story of 9/11 is not over. Look at all the love that was shared that day. Love can write another chapter and keep hope alive for a better future for our children. The meaning of 9/11 lies ahead. It is in our hands and hearts.

Fr. Padraig