A Reflection 25 Years Later
My Colleague and Friend, Pastor Erik Allen, wrote a thoughtful reflection on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 which I thought would be good for all of us to consider. He also included the hymn that was the inspiration for his reflection. Every time I hear it, tears immediately come to my eyes. It is so touching and beautiful. Listen to it hear https://www.facebook.com/reel/1088242367307436 and contemplate his words below.
Dear Friends in Christ,
Today marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of September 11, 2001. Like many of you, I have found myself thinking this morning about the events of that day—where I was, the news reports, how everything unfolded in New York, Washington, D.C., and the Pennsylvania countryside. There was a profound sense that the world had suddenly changed and with a deep sense of loss. Today, we remember those who died, the first responders and others who served with courage, and the many families and communities who have carried this loss ever since. We hold them in our thoughts and prayers.
Remembering a day like this can also stir memories within all of us. It can bring to mind other difficult days in our own lives—the losses we carry, the worries or broken relationships we cannot resolve, and the moments when we wonder how to move forward.
For us as Christians, Christ is the One who holds us together. Jesus says in John’s Gospel, “Abide in me as I abide in you” (John 15:4, NRSVue). This is not a promise that life will be free from sorrow or fear. It is the promise that we do not face sorrow or fear alone. Christ abides with us in grief and uncertainty, as one who knows those feelings leading up to the cross. Christ also abides with us in the work of healing.
For me, this morning, that healing came through music—through the hymn, Abide with Me (ELW 629). In particular, the last verse names both the darkness we know and the trust that Christ remains with us:
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes;
shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
May we hold fast to this promise: Christ abides with us. In the shadow of loss, the cross stands before us—not as an easy explanation for suffering, but as the sign that God has entered our suffering and will not abandon us. Let us also remember that through the resurrection, Christ shines through the gloom and points us toward God’s promised new day, where the sting of death will be no more.
Let us pray.
God of mercy and peace, bring comfort to those who mourn and healing to those who still carry physical pain, trauma, or grief. Reconcile a world in need of peace, and guide us in the ways of compassion and justice. Hold before us the cross of Christ—shine through every gloom, and point us toward the hope of your promised new day. Abide with us today and always. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Another excellent reflection on 9/11 was written by Glenn McDonald which can be read here: https://mailchi.mp/23c1db43296d/morning-reflection-13759783?e=9239e33c68
