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September 12, 2001

A Time of National Mourning
The Rev. Canon William A. Kolb

We have watched pictures for years of other countries, other peoples, suffering the effects of war: violence, horrible deaths, grieving, displacement from homes, numbness of mind and spirit. Finally it has happened here. This was not the first but by far it was the worst. The uncertainty that permeates New York City, and many across the country, about a possible "second wave" of attacks eats away at the quality of life.

It is a time, now, for great sadness at the needless waste and destruction of precious lives. We know that peace is always God's will; we understand perhaps a bit better now, why.

The central issue for each of us as Christians is our strength of spirit—that we might be empowered by God to continue to live in hope, in joy, in trust and in peace. It is our responsibility to strive against a spirit of vengeance within our hearts. And just how do we do that, seeing the images we see of these dastardly and barbaric attacks? We can do it with God's help.

God yearns for us to be "instruments of his Peace." God reaches out to us with His Holy Spirit of Peace. And we can receive that Spirit if we are open to it. I commend to you lots of prayer, and lots of reading of the wisdom and inspiration of scripture—scripture that has helped God's people deal with every kind of disaster and crisis that has ever faced humanity. Try these:

  • Psalm 23, 27, 42, 46, 121
  • Lamentations 3:22-26, 31-33
  • Romans 8:14-19, 34-35, 37-39
  • Revelation 7:9-17
  • John 14:1-6.

Keep in mind that God's Truths are always true. These readings are as up-to-the-minute as this morning's newspaper and far wiser, in their comforting and strengthening power.

May God strengthen us and guide us all in the days ahead.

© 2001 The Rev. William A. Kolb

 


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