Gospel for September 12 2021 – Mark 8:27-35
Gospel Reflections for September 12 2021
20th Anniversary of 9-11
How do you destroy a powerful institution?
The plan of the 9-11 terrorists was to attack what they believed were the three main pillars of the United States; its global business at the World Trade Center, its military command at the Pentagon, and its political center at the Capitol Building in Washington D.C.
However, the passengers in that last plane overpowered the terrorists before it could hit the Capitol. That plane tragically crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We learned who the enemy was on 9-11.
Not only did the terrorist’s plan not work, but a few months later, they were completely routed in Afghanistan, and we have been free of large-scale terrorist attacks ever since.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus reveals He is on a mission to change the world, and to change it with love. He also reveals there are powerful forces against Him, especially in Jerusalem. When Peter tries to stop Him, Our Lord commands, “Get behind me, Satan!” In that sharp rebuke, Jesus affirms who the enemy is …and it is Satan.
A few months later Satan is completely routed by the most perfect act of love ever, the death and resurrection of Our Lord on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
The Church that Our Lord founded on love continues …but also continues facing one crisis after another in its long history.
Jesus knew His Church would be filled with human beings with all their failings and sinfulness. A quick glance at our long history reveals that is exactly what happened, and certainly continues to this day. We should never be shocked that some people still reveal selfish behavior.
Amazingly, in precisely the darkest days of our Church history is when our most famous saints have come forward! That is counter-intuitive. Usually, failing institutions …simply end. How is it possible that we have lasted these two thousand years through such turbulent times?
There is no possible explanation for the 2000-year existence of the Catholic Church except that it is the Church that Jesus Christ Himself founded, as todays Gospel affirms. Any other institution would have collapsed long ago. One proof for the existence of God is the continued existence of His Church!
The 9-11 terrorists tried to destroy the US and Satan still tries to destroy the Church. You can be grateful for the efforts of all to combat terrorism …but especially grateful that Our Lord has always promised Himself to safeguard His Church!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
Prayers in remembrance for all those who died or were injured on 9/11. Prayers, too, for all those brave men and woman first responders.
Yes, the greatest love we can show or have is to lay down our lives for others. The love/sacrifice of Jesus and the torture He endured to open the gates of Heaven for us brings a huge ache into my heart.
Thank you for your poignant message.
God bless….
Kathleen
You are very welcome!
Hi Father Dave: You always keep it relevant. Thanks for your insightful word.s. May God bless, Argyle
Thank you! I am glad you liked the article. By the way, I had great fishing in Catalina this year!
Dear Father Dave!!! Love your precious insights!! Loveee our precious Jesus!! It is overwhelming to know in our hearts the depths of our loving Jesus’ love, dying and suffering for us so that we might have our sins forgiven and attain eternal life!!! Amazing forever LOVE!!! Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo happy my parents raised me in our beautiful Faith!! Now I must share Jesus’ eternal love and stand up in a beautifully way to fight terrorism, negativity, lack of love with LOVE!!! My heart hurts for all the lives lost in 9-11!! I have such love for all the first respondrs who loved and helped and gave their lives for others!! i was teaching Kindergarten at Saint Judes and our class beautifully sent a lovely paper quilt filled with love to the Firemen in New York!! One of our father’s delivered it and the Firemen loved dit!! We also wrote to Presiden Bush of our sorrow and loving prayers and we received a beautiful response!! I must tell you Father Dave at times I so believe in a fair fight to stand up to terrorism!! We must end hate!! with first love and then protect our Faith and freedoms!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca
Thank you!
Hi Fr. Dave. I am sending this to all my friends and family because I hear so much about why Catholics don’t go to church any more. It is made up of human beings. Our founder will never let us down. Best regards, Fran Calfo
I am so glad you will send this article on to others. I hope it helps!