Christianity is something that we have entered into, many by baptism as infants. Did we know what were getting into? Did we know what we signed on for? Did we know that we were entering into the death and rising of Jesus? Did we understand that? How well do we understand it now?
If no one was willing to participate in sufferings of Jesus, if no one was willing to enter into the love Jesus revealed on the cross, then it would have no meaning. Only by our entering into his life and into life for one another does Jesus’ sacrifice have meaning.
Today we remember people entered into the lives of other people, and, for their sake, lost their own lives. This is the fullness of the death and rising of Jesus: when we participate in his life and in his death and resurrection for others’ sake. That is the fulfillment. That’s what makes us church.
--Fr. Patrick Michaels,
Homily, September 11, 2023
Image source: A drawing that comforted Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan, who was celebrating Mass in the lower church of St. Teresa in Manhattan when the 9-11 attacks began. You can read his story at: https://www.camdendiocese.org/through-9-11-true-strength-found-in-generosity-sacrifice/
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