The Gospel for 9/11
As I watch the news coverage today of the memorial events and repeats of the footage of this day seven years ago, I get angry. I admit that for a while my heart fills with rage. I feel the need for revenge. For this reason I am so glad that Father Seraphim Beshoner posted an interesting Tweet this morning.
on the anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, wondering if today’s Gospel takes on special meaning
Let’s go ahead and take a look at this scripture.
27 “But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
29 To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt.
30 Give to every one who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again.
31 And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.
32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish.
36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;
38 give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
(Saint Luke 6:27-38 - RSV-CE)
Thank you father for giving me perspective!
Now don’t get me wrong, I do not believe we are to turn our backs on our enemies to make it easier for them to shoot us. We should never forget what happened seven years ago. I do however think we as a nation need to pursue our national security with right intentions that don’t include hatred or revenge. I also feel we as individuals need to be more loving of our enemies. We always talk about how powerful prayer is. Let’s apply that to our enemies and see how powerful it can be. Let’s put our prayers where our mouth is. I think we’ll be surprised. So let’s forgive for our enemies, pray for our enemies. Let’s pray for peace, not only in the world but also in the hearts of anyone that are filled with anger, hatred and revenge.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Great post. This is an admirable point of view, in my opinion, and one I try to follow. It can be tough, but it’s hard to argue that this is not what Jesus intended.