This week we remember the anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. In the Church, we celebrate today the feast of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. There are many comparisons that we can make from the 9-11 attacks and the Cross that Jesus bore for us over 2000 years ago.
For me, the response of the fire fighters, police, and medics will always vividly stand out in my mind. Watching first responders run into what looked liked a hopeless situation made us ask, how can they do this? What in their education and training prepares them to run into the danger of death rather than from it?
Aren't we as Christians, by our baptism, supposed to behave as these first responders? Jesus said to pick up our crosses and follow him. Our faith teaches us to be other-centered. The Resurrection assures us of eternal life. And yet, we often fail to act, in the heat of the moment with the same heroism of first responders.
Dear Jesus, teach, empower, strengthen, embolden us to be your heroic leaders in the world today in both the small and big situations that confront us. And Jesus, please bless all those who mourn the dead and and all those who fight to save life. For the dead in 9-11,
"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, And let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
