Devotion
Evil is cunning. It can make itself look attractive and successful. It can even make itself look righteous, religious and faithful. But faithful to what? Evil is at work when we decide speaking for what is right is too difficult or will cause us grief and discomfort. It is at its best when it has eroded our resolve and weakened us to the point of indifference.
The evil we remember today is the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. We pray for those affected by this tragedy. But we also pray that the means by which we fight evil does not propagate more evil and that we recognize it when we overstep.
Evil wins when we are not living and breathing the forgiveness of which Jesus speaks. On this day especially, the integrity of the forgiving and forgiven life holds sway for the hope that the future will not be bleak but joyous and just.
Prayer
God, thank you for forgiveness. Forgive us again, day after day, so that we can forgive and be forgiven, knowing that the gift of your salvation will be our glory evermore. Amen.