As we prepare to remember the tragic events of September 11th, nine years ago, let us take the time to pray for the families who lost love ones and for our country in which this event has been etched into our memory so vividly. Those who committed such horrid acts have tried to cause us to be afraid. We must celebrate our freedoms in joy and not in fear. We have seen played out in the media the dangers of religious extremism by Christians, with the threat of burning the Quran. Christians should never be threatened by the ideas of another religion. We should proclaim boldly our belief that we are followers of Jesus Christ, the fullest of the revelation of God. We should boldly proclaim our passion for loving all of God’s creation and creatures. We should boldly proclaim that when we love our neighbors as Jesus taught us, those neighbors include Muslims, Hindus, people of the Jewish faith and people of no faith. We should boldly proclaim that when love God with our mind, body and soul, there is no room for hate in us!
We should boldly proclaim compassion for all people and seek justice for all. September 11th is a day for us to remember, but also to move forward in our faith and the freedoms that are protected in our constitution.
When Jesus appeared after his resurrection his words to his followers, who felt threaten and went into hiding out of fear, was “Be not afraid” These words are just as relevant today as they were in the early church. Be not afraid for God is with us in our sorrows and our joys. Be not afraid, because freedom is a right for all people, even those whom we disagree with their ideas. Be not afraid to boldly proclaim your faith and freedom.
