“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more. " Isaiah 65:17-19
I still have this New Yorker cover framed and on our walls. I remember the feelings of shock and horror, worrying all together about family and friends caught in the attacks. We were a people, a nation for a time, that lived compassion and community. We lived just north of Dover Airforce base, which has become the morgue. Bodies and remnants were brought there, and families gathered awaiting news. It was a long wait and for some, there was never any news. That holiday season we collected items for the families waiting so they might have a bit of Christmas amidst the horrors. I was elected Bishop the month after 9.11 and I believe it has informed my ministry throughout.
A Litany for 9.11 Twenty-five Years On
Loving Creator, you promised to make a new heaven and a new earth
along with the ending of war and weeping, hearts filled with joy.
Help us, Lord Jesus, make us instruments of your peace and healing today.
In the year since the attacks, we have not followed our promises
we waged war, we demonized foreigners and caused more weeping.
Help us, Lord Jesus, make us instruments of your peace and healing today.
Your ways, O Lord, are ways of peace, justice and healing for all
yet we want to dominate, winning at any cost, unwilling to change.
Help us, Lord Jesus, make us instruments of your peace and healing today.
You sent your Son, Jesus, so that they whole world was set free
he overcame death and the grave so we might live as free people all.
Help us, Lord Jesus, make us instruments of your peace and healing today.
The time has come for us to change our ways and give up on war
the time has come for us to share the wealth and live as siblings.
Help us, Lord Jesus, make us instruments of your peace and healing today.
Make us your people, dear Lord, serving all of your children here
so that we might glimpse the joy and healing you have in store for us.
Help us, Lord Jesus, make us instruments of your peace and healing today. Amen.
