Remembering September 11th

September 11, 2026 was the 25^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that took place in New York City, Washington, D.C, and Pennsylvania. Thousands died in these senseless acts of violence…man’s inhumanity to man. Many first responders also died trying to save the victims that day, or later became very sick and then died due to their health being compromised during their efforts to help those victims.

Like many of you, I watched the television specials that commemorated the event. It was so sad to hear the farewell messages from those who were trapped and knew they were about to die, as well as the choking, emotional testimonies of those who lost their loved ones.

Like you probably did, I teared up while watching what was shared on TV. In fact, I became so emotional that I was not able to finish my sentences as my wife and I shared our thoughts about what was shown on TV. We were asked to never forget what happened in order to honor those who have been impacted. It is hard to take it all in…

As I thought about it, I remembered how I often become emotional during Lent, and especially on Good Friday, when thinking about the suffering Jesus went through to save us from our sins. Jesus only did good things during His time on earth, yet He suffered the most horrific of deaths intentionally to save us from our sins, out of love for us. The God that created us out of that love was rejected, humiliated, abused and crucified.

It is hard to fathom such a sacrifice. It is humbling to know we are so loved, yet disturbing to see how often we overlook that fact as we struggle through life. We simply must never forget what Jesus did for us by dying on the Cross, and what He continues to do to help us reach heaven.

This should motivate us to try to do better in life, to reciprocate that love so we can enjoy eternity with our Savior.

It is even harder to take this all in…

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek