09/12/2026
For those of us who remember living through 9/11, this day carries a palpable weight. We remember the heroic actions of many and we continue to mourn for those who lost their lives, for their families, and for our nation. It takes a kind of moral courage to mourn well: to allow ourselves to feel the depths of sorrow and hurt in union with the Heart of Jesus, and to hand them back over to him. To be sorrowful, but not to lose our hope or the peace of Christ which he promised would guard our hearts.
A wise spiritual mentor used to ask me, “Where is something like that in the Scriptures?” It’s a habit I continue to this day, and when I face days of mourning, I often go back to Lamentations. This particular Scripture is an option for funeral Masses, and I think it shows us how to authentically feel grief and hold on to our hope in God, all powerful, good, and rich in mercy. Let’s pray it together today for all who mourn, especially those who are mourning because of 9/11.
Lamentations 3:17-26 My soul is deprived of peace, I have forgotten what happiness is; I tell myself my future is lost, all that I hoped for from the Lord. The thought of my homeless poverty is wormwood and gall; remembering it over and over leaves my soul downcast within me. But I will call this to mind, as my reason to have hope: the favors of the Lord are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent; they are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness. My portion is the Lord, says my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Good is the Lord to one who waits for him, to the soul that seeks him; It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord.
