Taking the Terror out of Terrorism

I am so thankful to be alive today.

I recently hosted a priest friend from out of town. He took me to dinner in the Chelsea area of the city. We were at the exact location where the recent bomb exploded. We missed being victims by 16 hours. Just before dinner we had visited the 911 Memorial Museum. I am in shock. If you have ever had a close call with death, you ask yourself a question: Am I ready?

Jesus calls us to radical readiness, to live each day as if it is our last. This is the secret to taking the terror out of terrorism. If we put our relationship with God in first place, and everything else in perspective to God, then we will not be afraid. This is easier said than done!

Brothers and sisters, small steps in great love will get us there. We are in the hands of our loving Father. The devil wants us to forget this reality. Join me in asking God for the grace to be ready, today. Here are two passages from sacred scripture and a link to my homily from today:

https://soundcloud.com/franciscan-friars/taking-the-terror-out-of-terrorism

Jesus said, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's will. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matt 10:28-31).

Jesus said, "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also" (John 14:1-3)

+ Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR

Yonkers, NY