Ten years later, we remember…

The priest this morning gave a beautiful homily in honor of the memorial of September 11th, 2001. Amongst other things, he directed us to the question of why we aim to seek God in all circumstances, and how we can do this. He recalled the days surrounding 9/11/01 – the images of mothers running with their children, firemen covered in ashes from head to foot, the towers crumbling to the ground before our eyes. He reminded us of the bravery and courage of so many Americans on that day, of the tragedy and suffering, the lives lost and the countless others affected by their loss, and of the remarkable determination and strength shown by rescue workers.

Our priest concluded by saying that those who were most successful at seeking, and finding, God amidst the extraordinary tragedy of 9/11 were those who also aimed to seek, and find, God in the ordinary circumstances of everyday life. And so must we, too, aim to seek, and find, God in the circumstances of our everyday lives, so that we may also see Him working in the extraordinary times of joy and tragedy in our lives. Each day, ordinary people commit small acts of courage and heroism, and these are just as significant as the extraordinary ones. Indeed, as parents we can do this each day as we strive for peace in our families, as we do our best to rise above our own inclinations in order to do God’s work, and as we persevere in showing charity towards our spouse and children. I have often been encouraged by the acts of heroism that I observe in the lives of other wives and mothers, just as I have been encouraged and inspired by the remarkable courage shown by the heroes of September 11th, 2001.

May God bless and guide America, now and always. And to those who lost loved ones on 9/11, my prayers are with you and your family.