In retrospect we realize “nine eleven” was not the beginning of anything. Little good has come of it; and we still don’t know how to relate to the new reality in which we live. Our response of war to a criminal act was too predictable, and predictably futile. Had we been willing to stay in our grief longer, deferring the impulse to revenge, we might have experienced a deeper solidarity with sorrowing and suffering nations around the world. We might have felt the response of sympathy and solidarity many people extended to us. We might have addressed the sources of the tragedy with them and found a better response. Had we done so, many people would be alive today.
Our Lady of Sorrows reminds us that Jesus’ mother did not attempt to avenge herself upon the Roman soldiers or the Jewish authorities. She did not gather Jesus’ disciples around herself to arouse jihad or a crusade. Rather, she waited in a Cloud of Unknowing and trusted that, despite everything she had seen and felt, God is good.
It is still not too late to sit with her in our sorrow, waiting on the mercy of God to appear.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.