We are the generation who will always remember where we were on September 11, 2001. Rather like former generations who remembered where they were and what they were doing on the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor or on the day when President Kennedy was assassinated. I was in Melbourne Australia on 911 when a call came from one of my brothers to turn on the television because something terrible had happened in New York. Like so many others I watched the television reportage of those terrible scenes seemingly over and over again, at first in disbelief, wishing this was some horror movie, but rapidly sickened by the reality of it all. Having spent a year of study in New York in the early 80s I could quickly identify with both place and people. I still remember the atmosphere of shock and disbelief walking in central Melbourne the next day; the quiet conversations and the reluctance to make commitments. It so happened I was flying to London on leave several days later and many friends said don’t go. In the end I went and was glad I did. That following Sunday I was worshipping in Southwark Cathedral in South London in a packed church with many Americans present. The Cathedral had had a major memorial service the day before but I still remember the brilliant prayers of the people offered that day and the sensitive sermon. Beside the altar was an American flag with a large floral tribute beside it. And then one month later I was here in this city when the fires at Ground Zero were still burning and the relief effort was in full swing. Staying at General Seminary I spoke with people who had been directly affected by the tragedy and by those actively involved in the relief effort at St Paul’s Chapel. Since then I have met many people in a pastoral context whose lives have been adversely affected by the events of that day.

But now 5 years have gone by. Where are we in relation to the events of that fateful day? In so many ways the city has bounced back to normal life with a vibrant economy and with remarkable renewal. Although Ground Zero is still a gaping hole nevertheless life continues as vigorously as ever. But it does not take much to be reminded of the vulnerability of this or any city. Whether it was the bombs in Bali, Madrid or London, we keep being reminded of the pain inflicted on this city. Only this morning both Jenn and I were on edge because of many sirens in the surrounding streets between 9 and 10. Apparently their was a fire in a local building. But I felt my fear level rising. Has something terrible happened again?

But while it is easy to remember such dramatic events we can also remember some of the amazing consequences of them. First and foremost was the extraordinary heroism of fire fighters and police and other emergency services in the immediate rescue and relief effort. Then there was the outpouring of good will towards this city. From all round the world came messages of sympathy and offers of help. But even more important was the incredible relief effort that took place at Ground Zero in the months following 911. This has been photographed, written about and celebrated for what it was: human selflessness and sacrifice at its best. Indeed many said New York was a kinder more compassionate city as a result of 911. There is much to remember both negative and positive arising from the one event.

So our remembrance and our reflections are an important part of our commemoration today. But we are also a people of faith who want to help others to find strength and hope in life. So we pray today with special intention for the victims of 911, both for those who died and those who suffer through grief or ongoing injury, physical or psychological. Each of us know people whose lives were adversely affected that day and we hold them in our hearts tonight before the Throne of Grace.

But last but by no means least tonight we come together to hear God’s word, words of assurance and hope, that remind us that ours is a God of mercy, love and compassion and that we are a people of hope, hope in God’s future and to recommit ourselves to that faith. It is that faith, that knowledge that helps us to keep going in the face of calamity and suffering and to be transformed by it.

The Russian Kontakion of the Departed which we will sing at the close of this service sums up the Christian attitude to Suffering and Death: “All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.”

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