9/11

Today is the anniversary of the loss of a huge number of people who were in the Twin Towers or were safety personnel such as fire fighters, police, emergency medical technicians, medically-trained helpers, or ordinary citizens called to do extraordinary things.  The loss of so many individuals is very traumatic especially since it was not a natural disaster from weather.  It was, instead, planned and executed with the sole intent to kill other human beings.

Pope John Paul II had some very compelling quotes:

"You don't have to like your history, but never forget it. Because if you forget it, you are doomed to repeat it."

"Social justice can not be created by violence because violence kills what it intends to create."

Don't be afraid to take a chance on peace, to teach peace authentically, and to live peace authentically. Peace will be the last word of history.

Respect, tolerance, and negotiation will not prevent conflict but it will level the playing field so that a window can open to solve problems with communication instead of violence.  It is important that we recognize that all of us are human beings and we all grieve the loss of family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and the loss of life.  We all generally want many of the same things; food, clothing, shelter, education, safety for ourselves and others close to us, jobs,health/medical care and hope.

Prayer and faith are powerful tools to combat evil.  We must remember that what we do in the name of faith must be moral, ethical and able to pass the scrutiny of God.  Otherwise the actions performed are not, in fact, motivated by God.  We are all accountable for our lives, our actions, our verbal and physical responses to others. We are all going to die; however some of us will be ashamed, some proud and some condemned!  We all have a choice everyday with every decision and every action! Choose to love!