In reflecting about the anniversary of 9/11, it seems that the deeper the tragedy, the more media has to say. We are saturated with pictures, images, and voices, each network competing with documentaries, interviews, reruns of original news coverage, and sports teams opening their games with moving ceremonies to fill our minds and hearts with surface level reflection. But, why is it during times like these – when we need heartfelt transformation – we only have moments of silence? It seems like we need at least hours of silence to genuinely reflect on how we as individuals, as a society, and as a world were divided and united on that day.

“Where were you that day?” is a question that seems to ring over and over again when people talk about 9/11. It’s natural. We often mark tragedy and triumph by the moments preceeding the event that changed us. Sadly, though, we can become so consumed by the event itself and not stop to ask ourselves, “Where was I with God that day?”

Where were you standing with God that day? Where are you standing with God today in comparison to ten years ago?

Has your relationship with God changed? Have you let it change? Was 9/11 a day that simply scarred your heart, or did you open up you faith, as painful as it may be, and bring your burden – including your anger, disbelief, rage, confusion – to God?

Take more than a moment of silence to reflect on how 9/11 changed your relationship with God and your neighbor.

Let yourself sit in the challenge of identifying who is a neighbor and who is an enemy, and how Jesus teaches us to forgive both.