Remembering

Where were you seven years ago? I think most of us can remember that Tuesday morning; images of crashing planes, burning buildings, buildings falling to the ground, fear and sadness in the eyes the witnesses. We remember the phone calls to loved ones, discussions of terror with our coworkers, halted conversations as we tried to explain to our children why someone would do this. It seems like each generation has "that moment" when the little bit of innocence we have is crushed by an act of violence.

But all too often it seems like that first act of violence is expanded by more violence, in retaliation. It seems that all too often politicians, on both sides, use the death of the victims to promote their own ideology, or as an excuse to advance an agenda in a totally unrelated area. In the midst of all the political promotion; and in the midst of the violence and retaliation, Jesus speaks.

“But I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:27-31)

The world says, "Retaliate!" Jesus says, "Love!" The world says, "Kill!" Jesus says, "Pray." The world says, "Be afraid!" Jesus says, "Have no fear little flock."

I like what the ELCA Church Council states in their response to 911 "Message on Living in a Time of Terrorism",

"Fear generated by the threat of terrorism may be a reasonable response to danger, alerting us to take steps to address it. Yet fear can become part of the fabric of society and make people its captives. Fear then paralyzes, divides people, fosters distrust, and clouds judgments. The Gospel promises freedom from living in debilitating fear. Through Word and Sacrament the Holy Spirit surrounds children, youth, and adults with God’s unfailing love. 'There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear' (1 John 4:18). In faith we may carry on our lives with the confidence that nothing—including terrorism—'will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord' (Romans 8:39). Living from the security of faith in God, Christians in a fearful society may exhibit courage to evaluate soberly the threat of terrorism without ignoring it or becoming all-consumed by it."

"The Gospel also frees us from fear to see others as brothers and sisters for whom Christ died and lives. Believing that God’s love in Christ Jesus extends to all, we are freed to attend to the interests and welfare of those who might be considered 'enemies.' We are better enabled to know and feel the vulnerability of others around the world and to work for a just peace in light of our mutual vulnerability."

Maybe the best memorial we can give to all the victims of 911 is to do as Jesus told us. Love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us, pray for those who abuse us, and give to those who need. Now you might respond, "Don't be so naive, Tim, that is not the way of the world." You are right. But, maybe we would be better off in the world if we lived the way of Christ.