September 11th

This was a reading from church on September 11, 2011.  I posted this two years ago. Watching the 9/11 coverage still stirs up such sadness in me. It also stirs up such anger. But anger doesn't get us closer to God's kingdom, and it certainly doesn't bring back those precious lives lost on this day and the days afterward 12 years ago. But we will always remember.

Sirach 27:30-28:7

Wrath and anger are hateful things,
yet the sinner hugs them tight.
The vengeful will suffer the LORD's vengeance,
for he remembers their sins in detail.
Forgive your neighbor's injustice;
then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.
Could anyone nourish anger against another
and expect healing from the LORD?
Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself,
can he seek pardon for his own sins?
If one who is but flesh cherishes wrath,
who will forgive his sins?
Remember your last days, set enmity aside;
remember death and decay, and cease from sin!
Think of the commandments, hate not your neighbor;
remember the Most High's covenant, and overlook faults.