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September 11: Fifteen Years Later

Fifteen years ago today, on September 11, 2001, our country, our world, and our society changed forever.

We all remember where we were fifteen years ago.  We remember hearing the news and seeing the horrific images all over the news.  We all had wished that this was just one major nightmare, and that this really didn’t happen.

I believe that today is an important day for remembrance.  We remember all who lost their lives that day, and all who sacrificed time and the gift of life itself to help others.

On October 7, we are hosting a Blue Mass at Christ the King, honoring the Police, Fire, and First Responders of Mashpee, Cotuit, and Marstons Mills.   This will be an opportunity to pray for, to thank, and to ask for blessings upon the Police, Fire, and First Responders all over the world – both past and present.

Father Mychal Judge, OFM, the first recorded death on 9/11 and Chaplain to the NYFD, left with words that can serve as a great meditation for us on this anniversary.  In Fr. Mychal’s final homily, given on September 10, 2011 at a Mass for Firefighters, he concluded with, “Isn’t God wonderful?! Isn’t He good to you, to each one of you, and to me? Turn to God each day -- put your faith, your trust, your hope and your life in His hands. He’ll take care of you, and you’ll have a good life. And this firehouse will be a great blessing to this neighborhood and to this city. Amen.”

God is wonderful, indeed.  Although we shed tears on this day, we thank God for helping us over the past fifteen years in our grief, rebuilding, and remembrance.  If we put our lives in His hands, we will be okay.  There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God; all we have to do is recognize that it’s there. 

I close with two remarks.  First, with a thank you.  Thank you to the police, fire, and first responders, both past and present.  Thank you to those who gave of their lives on that day – who abandoned their normal workdays, lives, and routines to come to NYC to help our brothers and sisters in need.  Thank you to all who put their lives on the line EACH DAY for us, so that we can live safer lives.  Everyday is an unknown, but with you unwavering faith and trust in God, you have the courage and the faith to get through it.  Our world, our country, our community is a better place because of you.

Lastly, I conclude with the Father Mychal Judge prayer.  Let’s go out and love one another, and make this society a better place.  We have work to do.

Lord, take me where You want me to go,
let me meet who You want me to meet,
tell me what You want me to say,
and keep me out of Your way.

Now, let’s go to work.


Chris Hughes

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