Most people I know can remember exactly where they were when they first heard or saw the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. I can remember precisely where I was and what I was doing. I had just come back from a walk with my dog. The television was on and the anchors on the “Today” show were talking about a plane hitting the first tower of the World Trade Center. My first thought was that it was simply a tragic accident; something in the avionics or mechanical workings of the plane that caused it to go off course and veer into the 73rd floor. Then, as this bit of news was being dissected, cameras caught the terrifying image of another jet slamming into the second tower. It was so surreal, I couldn’t begin to process the dimensions of this attack.
As the morning progressed and we heard about the attack on the Pentagon building and the crash of United flight 93 in a field in Pennsylvania, the grim reality began to take effect. Around town people seemed to walk in an almost robotic state of dazed confusion and grief. Just outside the building that then housed Plateau Outreach Ministry, a small, impromptu gathering of pastors, volunteers and passersby began gathering and hasty plans were made for a prayer vigil at noon. It was impossible to comprehend the unimaginable horror that was unfolding as the damaged towers began to collapse and estimates of casualties were broadcast.
I am sure you remember where you were and what you were doing. Perhaps some of you even had friends, relatives or business associates who perished that day. Though I didn’t know him, I remember identifying with passenger Todd Beamer, who, after calling his wife to say goodbye, was attributed to have said “Let’s roll” as passengers attacked the highjackers on Flight 93 and averted an even greater tragedy.
As we mark the solemn 10th anniversary of that horrible day, I am reminded of a question that has been asked of me many times: “Where was God that day?” To many it felt as though God had abandoned our nation and those victims of the attacks. It was an honest and provocative question, one whose only answer must have seemed like a platitude at the time. Unfortunately, we live in a broken world where hatred, animosity, ethnic division and sinful desire are everywhere. Those attacks brought that reality to a harsh point. It is to that world that God sent his own son to break down the walls of hostility that divide (Eph. 2:14).
God was present that day. Although the planes weren’t diverted away from their murderous trajectory, God was present in the bravery of rescue workers who risked and sacrificed their own lives and health to save others. God was present in the small clusters of people who gathered, awaiting their fate in small clusters of prayer in the doomed buildings. God was present in the way a nation poured out its love, support, strength and help to the victims. God was, has been and is present as terrorists and tyrants are brought to justice for their crimes. God is present in the healing of memories and broken bodies. God was present in the small cross made as two steel beams were fused together in the conflagration.
And God is present yet today in the hearts and lives of those who follow the Prince of Peace and seek to live at peace with all people. Where were you? Where was God? Perhaps the deeper question we should ask of ourselves this day is: Is the presence of a loving, peace-giving God being lived out in my life? Do people see a loving God in my relationships, my business dealings, my response to those who offend or hurt me and in the way I care for those in my community and in the world whose lives are hurting, hungry or victimized. “May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). And may you be an instrument of that peace to others.
