Today is 9/11. And as such we will be asked to relive the trauma of that day twelve years ago when the peaceful skies over New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania were shattered with explosions, collapsing towers and mountainous rubble. Doubtless there will be observances from "sea to shining sea". Speeches will be made, memorials held and through it all, we will be told to "never forget".
For some this day, the grief and pain of losing loved ones will be revived, cutting deeply and shattering hearts once again. For these family and friends, today is a genuine day of remembrance and of not forgetting those whom they loved. But for those others like me, who did not suffer the loss of friends or family; who saw the tragedy only on television and were never touched personally by it, to "never forget" only serves to cheapen the overwhelming grief felt by those who did lose a parent, child, sibling or spouse that day.
But even more than this, by insisting that our collective memory never forget, a threat is implied: A threat of vengeance on those who would attack us or even worse on those we think might attack us. For the past twelve years we have never forgotten. And where has that gotten us? Fears have been aroused, wars have been waged, torture has been justified and civil liberties have been eroded. All because we could never forget.
In the midst of this societal memory characterized by fear and violence, what is needed now more than ever is a new voice speaking a new language: A language not color-coded in hues of retaliation but overflowing with grace upon grace; echoing the One we claim to follow who calls us unabashedly to comfort the afflicted, to pray for our enemies, to turn the other cheek, and to forgive endlessly. If the church cannot lay claim to this voice - if all we can do is sit on the sidelines offering no alternative to a culture which continues to re-open its 9/11 wounds year after year, then we are not a resurrection people. We are not the church.
For those who would tell me to never forget the events of 9/11, have no fear I won't. But neither will I live enslaved to vengeance, fear and retribution. I will remember. I will remember that Jesus whom I confess as the Christ, the Messiah of God, is also the Prince of Peace. Moreover, week after week as I gather with God's people in the place God has promised to be, I will be reminded that through the waters of baptism I have been called and equipped to embody Christ in the world not just for a day, but for a lifetime!
Peace and blessings for the whole world: No exceptions.
Pastor Doug
