WHEN DARKNESS FALLS, GOD STILL CALLS US TO BE LIGHT

A Reflection on the 25^th Anniversary of September 11, 2001

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34: 18

Twenty-five years have passed since September 11, 2001, yet for many, the memories remain remarkably vivid.

We remember the morning when our nation was shaken by an unspeakable act of violence. We remember the lives lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in the fields of Pennsylvania. We remember the first responders who ran toward danger while others were running away. We remember families who received devastating news and communities that suddenly found themselves grieving together. September 11 became one of the darkest moments in the life of our nation. 

Twenty-five years later, we pause not simply to remember the tragedy, but to remember the people. We remember mothers and fathers, husband and wives, sons and daughters, friends, neighbors, coworkers, first responders, firefighters, police officers, emergency workers, and all whose lives were forever changed.

We also remember the countless acts of courage, compassion, generosity, and sacrifice that emerged from the darkness and perhaps this is one of the most important lessons of September 11: Darkness can enter our world, but darkness does not have to define who we become. “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn way anyone.” (Isaiah 2: 4).

Jesus takes that vision and places it directly into the hands of His followers: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5: 9).

Twenty-five years after September 11, perhaps our calling is not merely to remember what happened, but to ask: What kind of people will we become because of what happened? 

Will fear make us suspicious of one another, or will faith teach us to build bridges?

Will hatred have the final word, or will love speak louder?

Will violence shape our future, or will we become people who pursue peace?

Will we remember only the destruction, or will we also remember the extraordinary compassion that rose from the ashes?

As people of faith, we cannot change the events of September 11, 2001. We cannot bring back those who were lost. We cannot erase the pain carried by families and survivors. But we can choose what we do with the memory.

We can remember and pray. We can grieve and heal. We can mourn and serve. We can remember hatred without becoming hateful. We can remember violence while choosing peace.

The 25^th anniversary of September 11 is therefore not only a day to look backward. It is also an invitation to look forward. 

May we become a people who refuse to allow tragedy to make us less compassionate. May we become a people who see the humanity of the stranger. 

May we become a people who reach across differences rather than deepen divisions. May we become peacemakers in our homes, our churches, our communities, our nation, and our world and when the darkness of our world feels overwhelming, may we remember the words of Christ: “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5: 14).

The world does not need more darkness. It needs people willing to carry the light of Christ. Twenty-fi.ve year later, we remember.

We grieve.

We pray.

We honor and by God’s grace, we choose to be light.

A Prayer of Remembrance

Gracious and loving God, we come before you with grateful and broken hearts. We remember September 11, 2001, and all those whose lives were lost and forever changed. We pray for families who continue to carry the weight of grief. We remember the first responders and all who demonstrated extraordinary courage and sacrifice.

Heal the wounds that remain. Comfort those who still mourn. Give wisdom to our leaders. Protect those who serve and protect others, and make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, teach us to sow love. Where there is division, make us builders of unity. Where there is fear, give us courage. Where there is despair, kindle hope. Where there is darkness, make us bearers of your light. Lord, help us never to forget, but also help us never to lose hope.

May the memory of September 11 call us not toward fear, hatred, or division, but toward compassion, courage, justice, reconciliation, and peace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

YOU ARE WELCOME AT SUNRISE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

As we remember this solemn anniversary, we invite you to pause with us, pray with us, and reflect upon God’s call to be people of faith, hope, compassion, and peace.

If you are looking for a church home, or simply searching for a place where you can worship, grow in faith, and walk together with others, we would love to worship with you. Come and join us for worship every Sunday at 10:30am.

At Sunrise Presbyterian Church, we believe that even in a world filled with darkness, Christ calls us to carry His light.

Come as you are.

Come with your hopes.

Come with your questions.

Come with your burdens.

Come and worship with us.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9)