Today we come together to remember in prayer the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Our presence is a living testament to what came out of that tragic event. Out of the smoldering ruins came an overwhelming spirit of love and solidarity. Out of "Ground Zero" we experienced God's presence in our lives as never before; and life changed for all of us - and will never be the same.

Father James Martin, SJ, a priest who wrote the book called "Searching for God at Ground Zero" said that working side-by-side with the firefighters, police officers, and rescue workers - laboring in the ruins - he expected to find only discouragement and despair -- instead he encountered charity, hope, and above all GRACE - God's loving Presence in the midst of the chaos. He found hope in the enormous courage and generosity of those who came to help - the firefighters working in the shadow of the "graves" of their Buddies - the police officers struggling to make sense of suffering - the sanitation workers asking questions about God and faith.

Difference melted away. Priorities were set straight. We were truly united as ONE in a God who loves us - whose Spirit was among us, and we were called to REACH OUT -hold hands in solidarity and love - with all - around the world. There was no distance between us; nothing divided us. We clung to God in our humanity and united in His Loving Spirit - the same spirit that calls us together today - to remember - to pray - to offer comfort and solace, and to deepen our determination to work for PEACE -

The terrorists who attacked us one year ago thought only of inflicting DEATH. Those who helped them and continue to do so - thought only of LIFE - Many did then and NOW what Jesus did. They died so that others may live and many did live because of them and many have been able to re-build their lives, grieve the losses of their loved ones, because so many Americans and others around the world - continue to remember - stand in solidarity and "give" of themselves as never before so that others can live ---

Jesus exhorted his apostles and us today: "BE NOT AFRAID" - Fear paralyzes us - prevents us from reaching out to life - or work for peace! But along with His exhortation to "Be not afraid" is His promise that "He is with us" - that He will go before us ALWAYS.

So as we come together today - let us in solidarity and prayer - pray that in faithfulness to His Promises

• that He will be present to us
• that He will strengthen our Faith in the presence of death
• that He will deepen our Charity in the face of suffering
• increase our Hope in His continued Presence in the midst of our humanity
• and with the support of one another, we will overcome our Fear --- and strengthen our resolve to Work for PEACE. Amen