SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2020 - Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
September12,2020
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Those who were alive on September 11, 2001, now almost twenty years ago, can never forget where they were and what they were doing when they first heard the tragic news on that shameful day. Back in Indiana, where I was a pastor of a small country parish, I had just celebrated an early morning Mass, had breakfast, and I was just beginning to give a few instructions to my small group of helpers for the day. The news was instantaneous. What was happening? Was this the beginning or the end of a terrorist attack or something else? Glued to the television the details became clearer. It all seemed impossible. Then gradually I began to sense fear, even anger, and then great sadness. My first thoughts were of my brother and his wife who lived and worked in Washington, D.C. My brother worked for the Justice Department. Were they safe? No phone calls would go through. I would not know for sure for some time. The only response that made any sense finally kicked in: prayer.
My rectory was one of those old-fashioned ones with a hallway that leads into the Church. Those who were able came with me before the Eucharistic Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament and prayed the Rosary on their knees. No matter what would happen the Lord began to offer his many graces. Little by little, we began to pull ourselves together and then organize Holy Mass and prayers for the entire congregation and our little community. That very night we had in the Church, a beautiful sung Mass albeit with tears in our eyes. We prayerfully placed everything we had just experienced in the hands of God.
After almost twenty years, we look at what we now call 9/11 with some perspective. Diabolical evil has shown its cruel and ugly face. The perpetrators of terrorism must be opposed, resisted, and brought to justice at all costs. However, we must re-commit ourselves to bringing our diverse world together in love, breaking down the barriers of prejudice and hatred. Good and evil exist. With the Lord Jesus, we align ourselves on the side of Good. Holiness of life does indeed matter. Hatred reveals the opposite of the God of love, whose love conquers all. Let us always rest in His Most Sacred Heart. He is only a prayer away.
Yours in the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor