Brothers,
On this night, twenty-four years ago, thousands of men and women laid down to rest, unaware that it would be their final night on this earth. Fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, friends, co-workers—all of them were entrusted by God with the gift of life, and all of them were called home before the sun had set on September 11, 2001.
We remember the 246 who prepared for a morning flight, the 2,606 who prepared for a day of work, the 343 firefighters who prepared for their morning shift, the 60 police officers who prepared for morning patrol, and the 8 paramedics who prepared to serve the sick and suffering. None of them saw past 10:00 a.m. that day. Their lives were changed—and ours with them—in a single moment.
As Catholics, we look upon this tragedy not only with sorrow, but also with hope rooted in Christ. Our Lord Himself told us, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). That day, countless souls bore witness to this truth. First responders ran toward danger when others fled. Strangers helped strangers. Ordinary men and women became extraordinary images of Christ’s sacrificial love. In the midst of horror, there was also heroism.
Yet even as we honor their courage, we also lift our eyes to the Cross. For it is there that Jesus Christ transformed suffering and death into the doorway to eternal life. We commend to God’s mercy all who perished that day, praying that they may see His face and know His peace. We pray, too, for the families who carry grief in their hearts, that they may be comforted by the promise of resurrection.
And as we live and breathe today, let us remember: every moment is a gift, every embrace a blessing, every act of love a glimpse of eternity. May we never take one second for granted. Let us kiss our children, hold our loved ones close, and forgive quickly. For tomorrow is never promised, but heaven is.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
May we never forget.
In Christ,
SK Christopher M. Hess
KOC Deputy Grand Knight, Faith Director – Council #14464, Bath, PA
Reposted with permission.