9/11 22 Years Ago

Scripture

““You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat. “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for. “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.” (Matthew 5:3-9MSG) 

9/11 22 Years Ago

The world has changed and yet it has stayed the same since the events that froze our lives for a few anxious days 22 years ago today. We had just finished an early morning Touchstone Forum discussing Jesus’ story of a rich guy who had his loan on life called in. As we closed, the venue staff approached me with confusion and fear in their faces pointing at confusing television coverage of the events. 

Enormous international military action ensued which seen from today’s perspective, is of questionable value. Meanwhile we are on day 565 of the madness of Russia’s attacks on Ukraine. Thousands have died on both sides for ego and misguided ambition. Yet we wonder about what Ukraine might become when the war ends – what will be accomplished with the price paid? 

Somewhere in all this I try to visualize Jesus present in the trenches, in the medical wards, at the funerals of soldier and civilian alike. I pray for our own nation as the political temperature rises with economic anxiety and injustice.  

We are called to feed the hungry, house the homeless, offer spiritual care for courage and wisdom as we engage to share the burdens. Jesus said there’d be wars and fires and political upheaval not to depress us, but to remind us to be His presence visible in offering health, healing and hope. 

A Prayer for Today

O God who brought me from the rest of last night to the new light of this day,
Bring me in the light of this day to the guiding light of the eternal.
Lead me O God on the journey of justice. Guide me O God on the pathways of peace.
Renew me O God by the wellsprings of grace today, tonight and forever.
(Celtic Prayers from Iona, J.P. Newell)