The tenth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks falls on the second Sunday of this month. Most of us can remember exactly where we were and exactly what we did on that terrible day. “9-11” has become one of those dates that summons up powerful memories, much like December 7th (Pearl Harbor attack) and November 22nd (John F. Kennedy assassination). The tenth anniversary of 9-11 gives us an occasion to pause and reflect, -- and remember that my incoming confirmation students this year were only 3 and 4 years old in 2001. They regard the stories about September 11, 2001 the way I do the stories my dad told me about where he was and what he did on December 7, 1941. Time is moving on and so must we, but few of us will ever forget that cloudless September day.
After the initial shock and sorrow that enveloped the nation in September 2001, there came anger and a desire for revenge. “The men who did this will hear from us soon enough!” President Bush said as he stood at Ground Zero with his arm around a fire fighter. It was probably the right thing to say at the moment, given the mood of the country. But now, ten years later, it would be good for us to reflect on the nature of evil and the responses we make to it.
The attacks of 9-11 were not just attacks on the United States of America, they were attacks on civilization by men who wanted to change the world by the use of violence and terror. It was barbarism as the men involved, including those who supported or cheered the hijackers, thought that they could change the world by the use of sheer terror.
Since then the world has witnessed a series of events predicated on the same principle, such as the 2004 Madrid train bombings and the 2005 London subway bombings. In attempts at ever more horrific attacks there was the attack on the Beslan elementary school in Russia by Chechen rebels and, most recently, an attack on teens at a youth camp on Utøya Island, Norway by a right wing extremist. The perpetrators have different causes, but they all share the belief that terror, violence, and bombs will win the day for them, or at least begin the process of transformation they seek..
Terrorists will accomplish something of their goals only if the people of the world respond in kind to them with violence, war, bloodshed and retribution, and the world descends into the darkness where evil lurks. They will be thwarted only if most people decide that they will not be consumed by the hatred and fascination with violence that fueled these terrible events.
In the second reading for worship on August 28, it says “Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ No, if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink…..Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21) The Christian response to evil acts is to do good deeds. The Christian response to hate is to love. The Christian response to calls for revenge is to say, “now, wait a minute.”
At the new Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial in Washington D.C. one of the quotes inscribed on the wall of quotes is from a sermon he delivered in 1963: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, in his day, gave powerful voice to the ethic of Jesus which says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
This September, ten years after the terrible events of 2001, it would be good to reflect on how we can be agents for peace and reconciliation in this world. It would be good to use this anniversary to reach out to someone who is on “the other side.” Find something good to say about someone in the other political party. Praise an admirable practice in another religion. Shake hands with someone who has been cold or hostile. Take a Moslem to lunch. And pray for peace. Here is a good prayer:
“Most gracious God, you have made us in your image and given us over to one another’s care. Hear the prayers of you people, that
unity may overcome division
hope vanquish despair and
joy conquer sorrow;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
(ELW occasional services page 366)
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