23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Friends,

This week marks the 23rd anniversary of the terror attacks carried out in our nation at New York, Washington DC, and ultimately in Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives that Tuesday morning. But of course, many more lost their lives in the aftermath, both from lots of work being done at the sites, particularly down in Manhattan, but also as a result of the war and conflicts that followed.

We give thanks for all those servicemen and women, both in the military and first responders, who gave their lives to risk saving others and to protect our freedoms. As we pray for and honor them, let us also remember that there are many family members and friends who still mourn the loss of those whose lives were taken. As we remember, let us also pray for an end to violence and war throughout the world, and for peace, justice, and unity among peoples – despite differences – to become a living reality.

As always, let’s never forget that the possibility for all of this is rooted in Jesus Christ and that it really begins with “me.” All of us have room for growth. All of us need greater conversion. It’s easy to point the finger, but the real work must be done inside. So let us commit ourselves to that!

Jesus Christ, save us. Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.

-Fr. Kennell