It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Bishop Ward on anniversary of 9/11


Walls of Water

There were walls of water to the left and to the right...  -- Exodus 14

Sunday is the tenth anniversary of 9/11/2001.  The Ground Zero 9/11 Memorial is remarkably designed, with two square pools of water in the footprints of the World Trade Center Towers, with water cascading down the four sides of each pool.  Nearby over 3,000 names are etched -- the victims of the 9/11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

The walls of water echo God's delivering, redeeming and saving power.  The Exodus texts appointed for Sundays this fall are watery indeed -- the water of Hebrew wombs, the water out of which Moses was drawn, the dramatic walls of watery deliverance, thirst-quenching water for the desert journey, water-crossing into the Promised Land.

On Sunday, let us acknowledge the painful memories of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the continuing grief of families directly affected, the on-going need for healing in our communities, and the clear call of Christ to be peacemakers and thereby children of God.  As we see the watery 9/11 Memorial unveiled, let us center ourselves anew in God who brings strength in this and every time of trial.

Sunday is a time to pause and remember.  It is a time to mourn and to pray.  It is a time to live as Jesus lived, weeping over pain and loss while vanquishing every evil through the invincible power of love.

With gratitude for our life together in Christ,
Hope Morgan Ward  
For materials to use in Remembering 9/11 click here.

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