The Chinese character for crisis (危机) melds those of danger and turning point, an opportunity for change.
I recall the immense losses of 9/11: my own many friends who died in the tragedy, lives cut short, children left without parents, parents mourning children, spouses bereft of partners, babies who were never born.
We had the opportunity to respond in a way that created a world of dialogue over armed conflict, love over hate, peace over war. We missed that opportunity, God forgive us, and chose instead the endless wars of the first quarter of the 21st century. More lives cut short, orphaned children, parents mourning children, spouses without partners, babies who will never be born.
In the 2001 crisis we chose the danger of widespread war. As we commemorate this 25th anniversary of that tragic day, may it mark a new turning point, wherein we face the future, recognizing the innate worth of all humans, born in the image of God, and heed Jesus’ call to love our enemies.
Jeanne Allen
Easthampton