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CHRIST’S PRESENCE ON 9/11

September 11, 2001

The date has been burned into our country’s memory along with December 7, November 22, and April 20. If you were alive for the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the assassination of President Kennedy, or the killings at Columbine High School, you know exactly where you were and what you were doing when you heard the news.

Two small numbers—9/11—have become shorthand for an infinite number of emotions: the shock and disbelief of watching the terrorist attack on live TV, the horror of watching the twin towers collapse upon themselves, the national grief as the number of confirmed casualties grew to 2,977, the growing realization that we are no longer beyond the reach of terrorist attacks, and perhaps most of all, the fact that those who remember where they were on that date, will never, ever be the same.

But God’s presence was very real at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the cabin of United Airlines Flight 93.

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

“The Lord is close to all who call on him” (Psalm 145:18).

“The message of the cross [to] we who are being saved know it is the very power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Hope amid the horror

Christ’s presence became tangible when, on September 13, 2001, construction worker and heavy equipment operator Frank Silecchia found the 17-foot steel beam structure standing upright amid the rubble near Six World Trade Center. Grieving families, firefighters, police officers, and volunteers gathered at the cross to pray, hold religious services, and find spiritual strength during the grim recovery efforts. Franciscan priest Father Brian Jordan held regular masses and blessings at the base of the cross while it was still at the disaster site.

The cross is now displayed at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. It’s a powerful symbol of the presence of God during one of the most ungodly events in our country’s history.