Early morning and it’s still dark. The passengers awaiting their flights are just getting to the airports, thinking about their day, who they will meet in California, unaware that they will not only never reach California but that their flights will create an indelible mark on our national history. The hijackers among them will be the instruments of terror.
I wonder what the passengers felt as they realized what would happen, whether it was in New York, or Washington, or in Shanksville. It’s almost beyond comprehension. What is it about fanaticism that drives a person to kill?
When we think about 9-11 we usually think of the numbers killed at the various targets set by the fanatics, but I wonder about those on the planes, realizing their impending doom. Terror can paralyze us, no matter what the form of fanaticism finds itself so reflected. Moving beyond terror is difficult, to say the least, but ever so necessary.
Prayer for the Day
Looking upward, we see a day with a sky so blue,
But images overwhelm us on this day, O God;
Searching our hearts, we struggle with our anger and fear,
For we do not know what to do with our memories.
Comforting One, who gives us memory, may we remember
Not our despair but the love we can share with each other.
In the name of the One who moves us beyond despair
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
What separates us from the animals, what separates us from the chaos, is our ability to mourn people we’ve never met.
David Levithan, American novelist
Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.
Corrie Ten Boom, Dutch Christian who saved Jews (1892-1983)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I ear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh –
My adversaries and foes – they shall stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear
Though war rise up against me, I shall be confident….
Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage;
Wait for he Lord!
Psalm 27: 1-3, 14