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September 11, 2006
The Rev. Canon Grant Carey
The Fifth Anniversary of September 11, 2001

It is hard to believe that five years have passed since the destruction of the of the Twin Towers - - an event that changed not only our own lives, but also the lives of people all over the world.

I suppose that each one of us can recall hearing the news. I heard it first on PBS at 6AM while I was preparing to participate in the weekday Eucharist at All Saints' Church here in Sacramento. Those who were there at 7Am had not heard the news until I told them what had happened and added that our lives would never be the same again! And I was right! From that time on, nothing has been or ever will be quite the same as it was before the two planes crashed into the twin towers.

There are several reasons for this special service tonight. One is to recall this incident and reflect on its importance in all our lives. Another is to remember those whose lives were either lost or forever changed that day, and, of greatest importance, to ask God in his providence to give us the strength to move bravely into a world - - a world far different from the world we knew before September 11, 2001.

I think the key words for this evening are found in the Gospel reading: "Strive for the Kingdom of God."

Our political leaders tell us to believe this or that, to accept this person and reject the other. But while politics are important, and being good citizens is important, what for us as Christians is most important of all is to strive for the Kingdom of God.

What striving means to me is praying with fervor that God's will indeed be done on earth as it is in heaven! To seek fervently what it is that God wants for us as a people, a nation, and world.

What happened five years ago was dreadful!

Innocents needlessly died. Lives were forever changed. Military action - - however well intended - - has led to thousands of lives lost. People all over the world are divided and angry and confused.

What can we do? What should we do?

Most of us feel a sense of hopelessness - - but there is something we can and must do as citizens of heaven - - and that is actively work and pray and give for the spread of God's kingdom.

To strive for peace wherever we may be, and to eschew discord and strife.

To pray every day that God's will for us and for the world might be done.

And to give time and energy and, when needed, treasure for the spread of the Kingdom of God.

For it through our concern and our action that peace may indeed come into the world, . that the longing of Christ might at last be made manifest in the lives of women and men everywhere.

Peace has to begin somewhere! In the words of the song: "Let it begin with me!"

When I heard the news that fateful morning, I knew in my heart that our lives would be forever changed, . and they were. But God's miracles are evident in the lives of God's people, and prayer and action are still the means for reconciliation and peace in our lives and in the life of the world.

And so this evening, as we recall the events of 9-11 five years ago, lets us pledge our selves to strive for peace . in our lives and in the world around us. And to work, pray, and give for the spread God's kingdom.

Amen