Seasons – September 08, 2002
A new season is upon us. A time when we harvest. A time to take stock of our lives and store away the summer memories for the winter. And yet, it is a season like no other. A time to reflect on events of a year ago. A time to remember. We think on those innocent people who gave their lives on that tragic day and all those left behind. We think on the heroes. We think on the soldiers who continue to stand up for freedom.
But as we read in Ecclesiastes, “There is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”1 This has been a season of suffering. But today, a season of healing is under way.
Each of us lost something on September 11th. We are all different because of what we witnessed, and felt. Perhaps some walls of security have fallen down. But so have many walls of misunderstanding. As good people, doing good things regardless of race, religion, or creed, we will continue to bring down the walls that divide us, while looking for ways to build up friendships and faith in our communities.
Let us not forget how far we have come as a nation. How unified we have become. How we rose from the horrific ashes of September 11th a year ago to the brotherhood of today. We reached out to each other across this vast land, a nation indivisible.
Today, flags fly where they’ve never flown before. There is singing, where before there was silence. And more devoted families are turning their hearts to the heavens.
This is “a time to love,”2 “a time to heal.”3 A time to move forward. In the words of Paul to the Corinthians: “Be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.”4
Program #3812
1. Ecclesiastes 3:1.
2. Ecclesiastes 3:8.
3. Ecclesiastes 3:3.
4. 2 Corinthians 13:11.