An anniversary of September 11, 2001, brings memories from the day, along with reflections gathered through the many days that followed, writes Father Mike Murray, senior priest of the Diocese of Lansing and former pastor of Saint Martha in Okemos. He continues:
There was terror in New York and Washington, and aboard Flight 93. From a safe distance, the events were surreal. Using our own planes, a hostile foreign group had launched an air attack on New York City and Washington?! And who had any idea that starting a massive fire in the upper stories of the World Trade Center could melt the supporting steel beams and bring down the towers? The sights and sounds were horrible but, at some deep level, it just seemed profoundly strange. Days would pass before it could all be processed.
Now, looking back, innumerable scenes of courage come to mind. Here is one: As Catholics we understand that general absolution is never to be given in ordinary circumstances. But these were extraordinary circumstances. And Father George Rutler, priest of the Archdiocese of New York, has written movingly of how the Lord, through Father’s priestly words, extended general absolution to the FDNY firefighters who were about to enter the doomed towers. As others fled, they willingly accepted the danger, to save lives. Their own lives would soon end, but they entered eternity with souls wiped clean by Almighty God.
May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.