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(September 11, 2024)

“Nothing is so bad that something good can’t come from it.” – Anonymous

September 11 is one of those dates in human history that is destined to carry upon it the stain of sacrifice, just like the blood of the Passover Lamb on the doorpost of God’s people.

Like Good Friday itself and historical dates like December 7, when these days turn around, we not only remember the horror, but we also see, in the time that has passed, how we have turned the pain of loss into important, positive moments.

• The eight-year-old who lost her father on 9/11 stands today in the uniform of the FDNY as a firefighter.

• The 12-year-old boy whose mother never came home that day now teaches history and runs a half marathon to benefit a college scholarship for children of that terrible scar on America.

Evil and Goodness

As a pastor, I am often asked if I believe in Evil, with a capital E, or not. I do, but not as some persona with horns and a pitchfork. I also believe in Goodness, with a capital G.

I believe- no- I know – that both good and evil can dwell in our hearts as the byproduct of our encounters with other people. If we let ourselves be taught by life experiences that we are meant to trample other people in order to get what we want, the dark seepage of Evil can hide within us. If, on the other hand, we learn from our encounters that we are all children of God, that we share the light of God’s Wisdom inside us to make the world more just and loving, then the light of Goodness can be seen pouring from within us.

Goodness With a Capital G

Like most people, I will always remember Tuesday, September 11. But I will also always remember September 9, 2001 – two days before. That’s the Sunday I watched Wisdom and Goodness in action.

I was at the Norwalk Oyster Festival, and these were the very last couple of hours before the Festival ended. A major Band – Tito Puente’s son’s Salsa orchestra – was playing, and infecting everyone with happiness and rhythm. On the other side near the stage, a big, middle-aged Irish American police officer was dancing a little, and alongside him a very small African American little girl was, as well. She couldn’t see the stage very well.

So, the cop saw a folding chair, opened it up, and lifted the little girl up to stand on it. Then together they joined hands and danced, and danced, and danced. Dance partners as natural as a father and daughter could be. Alive in joy and one-ness, unaware of difference. Because there was no difference. In a just world, that’s the way it is. Goodness with “a capital G.”  I saw God’s world.

What It Means to Be True Followers of Christ

This Sunday Rev. Margret Hofmeister, Area Conference Minister of our United Church of Christ, will be joining me in the pulpit, and to talk with us all during Coffee Hour afterward.

She’ll be speaking about the Way of the Cross, and what that means for us as true followers -disciples of the way of Jesus- in practicing wisdom and justice as a congregation. Come join with us and meet Rev. Margret and enjoy some time together, in peace.