Yesterday Catholic Social Servce had a staff meeting.  Once a month we bring our staff together from our three offices to share the happenings of our various programs.  Yesterday happened to be September 11th.

In September of 2001, Catholic Charities USA held thier annual conference in Newark, New Jersey.  I had attended the confence that year and it ended on September 10th.  I had taken my 16 year old son.  He and my sister visited the sites of New York while I was attended the meetings of the conference.  On the 11th we were walking out the door to visit the Statute of Liberity when we got the phone call to turn on the TV. 

Over the next few days we continued to be treated with hospitality by the people of New York, as no one could leave or come to the hotel.  The desk clerks never left their posts.  We were waited on in the resturant by people who were waiting to hear the fate of thier family who worked in the World Trade Center.  One young man stopped to tell us that he had just gotten word that his brother was safe as he delivered food to the next table.  We stood on the roof of our hotel watching the burning buildings in the distance.  We looked out the window of our room watching the fire trucks and ambulances gather in the parking lot of the Meadowlands, waiting to be dispatched the next day. 

It was a humbling experience that I reflected on as I searched for a prayer to begin our staff meeting.  I thank Mary Fairchild who wote a prayer that so accuractly reflected my thoughts during those days in September and since.  I shared this prayer with my staff and would like to share it with you: 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today is a difficult day. The memories are painful and some of the wounds I fear may never heal. Yet I pray you will help me to go on living for truth, firm in my hope of your salvation. May I live for you, Lord, and by doing so, be an example to my friends and family. I pray, just like Jesus, I may learn obedience through these things that I have suffered. Help me not to question why, yet even if I do, give me courage to continue to trust you. Help me take the comfort and strength you've poured into my life and use it to comfort and strengthen others who need hope.

I pray I might become a better person and help make the world a better place because of this terrible event. Thank you for the heroes that gave so sacrificially on September 11. Help me to remember their courage and learn from them. I want my life to be worthy of you Lord, so make of it what you desire, and use me to fulfill your purposes. May the evil of that day cause me and my family to work harder to do good on this Earth and to bring your light into the dark places. Help me to never stop believing in you and living my life for you.

Lord, heal all those who were crushed and broken on that day. May they come to experience your presence and know your peace.

Amen.