Never again a 9/11

On the 10th anniversary of the infamous 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US last Sunday, we are reminded of the horrors that are chronicled in the darkest chapters of world history. The atrocities of war and even the Maguindanao massacre come to mind as we pray that none of these sordid events ever happens again.

What drives a human being to inflict harm on other human beings is something that defies an ethical, if not rational, explanation. Greed, envy, lust for power and pride are the sins that blind a man’s vision. They are the vile reasons that lead to conflict, prejudice and immorality.

Instead of making the world a better place to live in, there are misguided people who thrive in sowing intrigue, creating enmity and causing misery. These are Godless people who think only of themselves, who show no respect for the law and who live without morals. These are people whom we must pray for, that they find the light to see through the darkness of malice.

There is so much to live for in our short lives on earth. In our own way, we can make a difference in the lives of other people by doing good and doing well. God is our inspiration to walk the straight path. It makes no difference if we’re rich or poor. What is important is the love in our heart. It is this love that translates into care and concern for others, a love that conquers everything that is evil.

Commemorating the 9/11 tragedy is a grim realization that we need more prayers, more faith and more love in today’s materialistic society. The attacks that led to the killing of nearly 3,000 people were not only mindless but also totally inhuman. They were the handiwork of militants obviously divorced from their right senses, misled by some twisted doctrine. There can be no justification whatsoever for taking the lives of thousands of innocent civilians who were brutally murdered that fateful 9/11 day.

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Reliving the 9/11 horror on film is like a recurring nightmare. The first attack happened at 12:46 p.m. with the American Airlines flight 11 from Boston to Los Angeles rerouted to crash into Tower One of New York City’s World Trade Center between the 93rd and 99th floors. Five hijackers were killed in the process. Then, at 1:03 p.m., United Airlines flight 175 from Boston to Los Angeles slammed into Tower Two between the 77th and 85th floors. At 1:37 p.m., American Airlines flight 77 from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles smashed into the outer ring of the Pentagon’s U.S. Defense headquarters. Finally, United Airlines flight 93 from Newark to San Francisco was forced down and fell near Pittsburgh.

Terrorists claimed responsibility for the dastardly act of violence but they couldn’t claim victory. From the rubble and debris caused by the destruction of the World Trade Center came a oneness of spirit that symbolizes good over evil. Firemen, policemen and volunteers risked their lives to save those who were imperilled. This display of courage, charity and heroism only showed the emptiness and senselessness of terrorism.

The series of airplane hijacks raised an alarm all over the planet not only as it questioned the security measures employed in terminals but also as it suddenly made people realize how dangerous the world had become and wonder if there could ever be an end to the turmoil. Now more than ever, people are praying to God for peace. That is what the anniversary message of 9/11 is all about.

The fact that slowly Ground Zero is starting to enjoy a rebirth is a testament to man’s resiliency and faith. Terrorists should be warned that they can never defeat goodness, that they can never destroy Christian love.

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It was recently reported that over $11.3 billion of federal money has so far been used to rebuild the World Trade Center. What was transformed into a wasteland will rise into a new hub with four skyscrapers, a memorial and a park on the 16-acre property by 2015 or 2016. “It is a statement about what the possibilities are for New York City in the 21st century,” said Mary Ann Tighe, chief executive of the Tri-State Region for several high-end retailers lined up for space in the center. Reuters said “by the time, the new World Trade Center opens, there will be more than half a million square feet of additional stores and restaurants.”

Next year, a memorial museum will open at the Ground Zero site on the 11th anniversary of the attacks. Alice Greenwald, director of the soon-to-open museum, clarified that “we’re not here to traumatize our visitors...monumental artefacts are one thing but we also have a human story to tell, we’re not just a history museum, we’re also a memorial institution and so the tension that happens between commemoration and documentation is a flash point.”

As we remember those who died in the 9/11 attacks, let us pray to God for peace on earth, for love and understanding of our fellowmen and for the strength to live a Christian life in the glory of the Lord’s name.