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September 14, 2026With our gospel passage focusing on forgiveness —Jesus said, “Not seven times, but seventy seven times” —coupled with the 25th anniversary of 911, we are at a crossroads
Memory, forgiveness, an act of hatred and violence, and the embodiment of our Christian faith to hold fast to mercy, healing and peace regardless of what the world reflects. A unique slant on the possibilities of Jesus’ mandate to forgive and find peace is this reflection by Rev. Juan del Hierro. It is easy to be consumed by what we are against—against injustice, against misinformation, against fear. . . .A powerful practice is to move consciously from what we are against to a clear understanding of what we are for; to move from resistance To alignment.What we focus on grows; it’s a spiritual principle. Attention carries energy, and energy fuels creation. When we fixate on what we oppose, our thoughts often dwell on the very conditions we hope to move beyond. Constantly carrying the weight of opposition is exhausting. But when we focus on what we stand for, something shifts. We move from reaction to intention. Being for something awakens vision and strengthens our sense of purpose. . . .
Focusing on what we are for is not a denial or spiritual bypassing. It is a conscious decision to align with our values. Rather than complaining, “I’m tired. Of division”—which can reinforce the heaviness of it—we may ask,“What is it that I am for?”Understanding? Harmony? Maybe for courageous conversations or dignity. Naming what we stand for clarifies our values and grounds us in purpose. It gently invites us to embody more fully that which we want to see expressed in our lives.This is restorative. It gives us agency. Rather than feeling victimized by what we are against, we recognize we are empowered by a vision and begin to embody what we seek to create. Instead of amplifying outrage, we amplify possibility.Next time you feel overwhelmed by circumstances, take a breath and ask,“What am I for in this moment?”Then consider what action you can take or attitude you can hold to help bring that about. You can choose the consciousness you will contribute to a situation, rather than letting your energy be dictated by outside circumstances.When peace feels distant, it may be inviting you to become its expression. Peace is not the absence of turbulence, it is the presence of a steady spirit.
By focusing on what you are for, you play a larger
role in shaping a future rooted in your highest
values. In doing so, you’ll embody the peace you
seek.Anchored in God, I focus on what I am
creating.
By focusing on what you are for, you play a larger
role in shaping a future rooted in your highest
values. In doing so, you’ll embody the peace you
seek.Anchored in God, I focus on what I am
creating.
On this 25th anniversary of 911, focused on
hope and healing for those affected by the
violent tragedy—and for our nation’s values—
the words of a daughter who lost her father on
that day speaks of our Christian faith.“My
father, Norberto, was a pastry chef at
Windows on the World in Tower One. For 10
years, he made many fancy and famous
desserts, but the sweetest dessert he made was
the marble cake he made for us at home…
Whenever we parted, Poppi would say,‘Te amo.
Vaya con Dios.’And this morning, I want to say
the same thing to you, Poppi. I love you. Go
with God.”
God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI:“The most beautiful people we have known
are those who have known defeat, known
suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have
found their way out of the depths.These persons
have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an
understanding of life. . .”(Elisabeth KüblerRoss)