post-9/11... ten years later

On this morning ten years ago, we were terrorized into a "post-9/11" worldview.  As I prepare to participate in worship with two different congregations this morning, I'm very mindful of our assigned RCL lectionary readings (Genesis 50:15-21, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35) for this day (Proper 19, Year A) and the themes of judgement, mercy, and forgiveness that many of us will hear and/or from which we'll preach.  This 'anniversary' morning, as I bring to the foot of the cross and to the altar my own memories of that horrific morning in NYC and all that has cascaded from it, I offer up a few other readings that also have been salient for me as I've reconciled with post-9/11 life.  There is no sermon here.... simply some markers of where my heart of faith has been dwelling.

from Photographs from the archive of TIME photographer James Nachtwey

Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Philippians 4:6-9

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

John 14:15-20

If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.