September 11, 2001. 12 years ago today. All of us can probably remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we first heard about what was unfolding in NYC and here in DC. It captured our attention and re-ordered our lives.
I started to write, "the events of September 11th," but that isn't quite right. The day was more than the events that occurred, as traumatic and bewildering and saddening as they were. It is true that when we remember the day, we carry images of destruction, terror and death. To those who knew people who died that day, this annual remembrance is a time of mourning and memorial to their loss.
I'm reminded of a woman I know who works for American Airlines and closed the cabin door on the flight that flew into the Pentagon. She chatted with her close friend, another flight attendant, and as she sealed the cabin door to release the flight she noted something about one of the passengers on the front row seat of first class: his demeanor, the way he carried himself. Something was not quite right... a shadow maybe, something out of place, but nothing she could put her finger on; nothing to raise a warning about. After all, who could have imagined what would occur.
In my mind, all these images are "backdrop" – staging or setting for what is of first importance to remember and hold on to about that day. Over and against the images of terror and loss, we see the courage, the determination, the sacrifice of so many who sought to save others. In these, the images of evil on 9/11 are confronted and overcome by the testimony of the passengers on Flight 93 and the many first responders who gave their all to rescue and uphold others – people they didn't know but were committed to help.
When a diamond is displayed, it is often set upon a black velvet cloth to highlight the splendor of its radiance and its beauty. The darkness of the cloth accentuates and intensifies the light shining through the diamond. Darkness serves to magnify the worth of what stands before it.
September 11th confronted the world once again with the look of evil. Of course, there have been other such reminders since then and, sadly, there will continue to be. But evil will always be overcome by those willing to put others before themselves. As we saw on 9/11, the sacrifice, courage and determination of the many firefighters and police officers who served and died that day stand as a testimony to the superiority and power of moral goodness.
Jesus Christ said this: "No greater love has any one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." As it is, the ultimate power of evil has been broken and will one day be completely destroyed because of Christ's death and resurrection. Until then, evil will continue to be a backdrop for the diamond-like brilliance of the good that radiates when one person sacrifices himself for another. For now, we each must withstand evil in the ways we can. Belief and reliance upon the power of Christ strengthens us in our efforts. Gratefully remembering and supporting those officers and firefighters whose lives are directed by their commitment to "protect and to serve" also serves as a bulwark and hope.