Posted on 09/11/2011 9:52:43 AM PDT by Teófilo
Brethren: Peace be with you, the Peace of Christ, the Peace that is unlike that which the world gives, the Peace surpassing all understanding.
Today is the tenth anniversary of the terrorists attack in New York and Washington, and of the first resistance to the forces of evil resulting in the death of the passengers and crew of Flight 93 on a field in Pennsylvania. This September 11th is unlike any other Ive observed because I am here, in Afghanistan, as a direct consequence of those attacks. Ive been here for most of the year and will be until early the next one, contributing in my own small way to bring a bit of light to a land in darkness, and a bit of hope and help to a people who have lived in war and upheaval for too long. I am also here to help draw a line on the sand: evil was defeated here, is being defeated here, and will not pass from here.
There will be many orators, analysts, and intelligent people dissecting the memories and pondering what did we learn as a nation, if anything, from the mayhem we suffered and the fury we unleashed in return during the last 10 years. I can only speak of what I myself have learned and thats my purpose on this post, to share with you a little bit of what Ive learned myself. I cant presume to talk for anyone else.
· Ive learned that I am not a hero. Sure, many well-intentioned souls will be inclined to call me one, but really, Im not. That title goes first to the first emergency responders of the 9/11 attacks, and to the crew and passengers of Flight 93 and with them, all those who lost life or limbs in Afghanistan and Iraq in defense of our freedom, regardless of the decisions that took them there, along with their families. They are the real heroes, not I. My risks and sufferings will never compare to theirs.
· My beloved wife of the last 26 years will heartily disagree, but no matter. Ive learned shes a true hero, carrying on at home, worried sick about me, and keeping an eye on our family and home so that I can find everything intact upon my return. She represents all those wives and husbands awaiting their loved ones from war, hoping, praying, and suffering the distance from us and the uncertainty of our healthy return in mind, body, and spirit. They are the true heroes on my book, more so than I.
· Ive learned that that the individual and collective effects of capital sin cannot be fixed through political, diplomatic, or military means. The righteous use of military power can hold off the greatest, most blatant evil; but the demonic cauldron of untrammeled hatreds and spiraling violence can only be cooled through repentance, conversion, penance, and the love of God in and through one another. Nothing else can stop this evil nothing else can heal these wounds but God in Jesus pace Jews, Muslims, and unbelievers. This much has been revealed to me, that the visible warfare is but the tip of the iceberg of a deeper, greater warfare unseen, where the souls of every individual and the collective soul of humanity are at play.
· Ive learned that the best I can do in this life, with my limited gifts and talents, is to love, to love as God loves, to live the Gospel of His Son to the utmost in my state of life. Only then would I have made a real difference in the world for my children, and my childrens children three of whom the Lord has granted me the privilege to meet and love already. Love, and do as I wish, as St. Augustine taught echoing the Master.I must finish my grammar of post 9-11 lessons on a warning, somewhat depressing note. I dont think that we as Americans have responded with the necessary degree of conversion and repentance to these great events. Many of us have, but our cultural, media, and political elites have not or have done so most imperfectly. I think our human and cultural environment has decayed in the last 10 years and I will leave it at that for now because you all know my pet peeves.
Almighty God, you have given us this good land for our heritage. We humbly ask you that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable endeavor, sound learning and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitude brought here out of many nations and tongues. Endow with the Spirit of wisdom those to whom in your name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace and home, and that through obedience to your law we may show forth your praise among the nations on earth. In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble do not allow our trust in you to fail.
O Lord, I humbly pray that You direct the leaders of this great nation now in this time of crisis. Grant them wisdom and understanding, and help them to respond quickly and effectively to this situation. Direct them that they may do what is right in Your sight. May they follow Your Divine Will to lead our nation on the paths of peace and safety.
Unite all response agencies in an organized and harmonious fashion to bring quick and effective resolve to the demands of this crisis. Empower us as United States citizens to do our own part, financially, physically, emotionally, and spiritually to support all who have been affected by the 9/11 tragedy. O Lord, I pray that You encourage and strengthen our nation. Surround us with Your Love and Mercy! Bring peace and comfort to all those who are suffering as a result of this crisis.
God, Our Father, Giver of Life, we entrust our Nation to your loving care. You are the rock on which this nation was founded.
You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Reclaim this land for your glory and dwell among your people.
Send your spirit to touch the hearts of our nations leaders. Open their minds to the great worth of human life and the responsibilities that accompany human freedom. Remind your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing your will.
Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, patroness of our Land, Grant Us the Courage to reject the Culture of Death. Lead us into a new millennium of life.
We ask all this, Father, in the sweet Name of your Son Jesus, Our Lord, in the Communion of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Even "trumpets"?
May the armor or righteousness shield you! Peace Love Mercy
Thanks for this essay and for your service. May God bless you and protect you and your wife and may He have mercy on America. May He deliver us from evil.
You are right. Things have gotten worse in the US since 911. It’s like our demons were loosened by the demons who attacked us. I would have thought the opposite would have happened in America.
“Trumpets” go without saying. In the meantime, we must love. They will know we’re Christians by our love.
-Theo
Thank you, Sarah, for invoking the Lord’s blessing upon us and for your prayers.
You’re right, their demons unleashed ours.
-Theo
Or TRY your very best to love, which is NEVER EVER EASY TO DO
AMEN, we have to pray for our conversion and the conversions of ALL, including the Muslims to the REAL Christ and HIS CHURCH.
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