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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