by Bishop Robert Brennan

Notable anniversaries give pause for reflections.

Looking at the past might evoke gratitude or perhaps lessons learned.  Looking ahead can be a source of hope and inspiration even in the present moment.

This week, we mark the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Believe it or not, nearly one third of the U.S. population was born after that day. For them, 9/11 is a moment in history, even though it is one which has shaped their world in ways beyond their understanding.

At the same time, for the rest of us, the magnitude of the tragedy of that day is painfully seared in our memories even 25 years later.

On the one level hatred and violence showed up that day,  but so did extraordinary heroism and unity that inspired and comforted us.

While often we measure the tragedy by noting the large number of people who died that day or in subsequent years with 9/11 related illnesses, individually, those who died were mourned and loved by many. 25 years later, we must never forget that.

This 25th anniversary occurs during this Holy Year dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, marking the 800th anniversary of his death on Oct. 3. These two notable anniversaries meet at the foot of the Cross of Jesus Christ.

You see, the Cross gives us Christians a new lens to look at reality and to see the deeper meaning. At the same time, it is a stark reminder of the reality of evil.

Yes, there is sin and suffering in the world. Yes, human persons are robbed of their dignity and even their lives because of the culture of death, of hatred, racism, and violence. But at the very same time, the Cross is the sign of victory, of life and of hope.

This week, we remember with love all of those who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

We pray for them and for all those who continue to mourn and who bear the scars from that experience.

We pray with gratitude and admiration for those who gave their lives to save others.

We pray for those who have died and who are suffering in the years since, with illnesses resulting from their work at ground zero.

Too many lives were lost.

And in their memory, and with our profound respect, we pray for our first responders. They embody tremendous courage, putting the needs of others and the well-being of society before their own.

St. Francis “got” the message of the Cross.  Sometimes we might feel powerless in the presence of evil and violence, but with him we pray, “Lord, make ME an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.”