On 9/11, forgive seventy times seven

On September 11, 2001, terrorists declared war on our nation by killing an estimated 3,388 innocent people. The loss of precious life includes: 87 aboard American Airlines Flight #11, 60 aboard United Airlines Flight #175, 59 aboard American Airlines Flight #77, 40 aboard United Flight #93, 2,606 at the World Trade Center, 125 at the Pentagon, 411 emergency personnel and an unestimated number thereafter.

In the past 11 years countless thousands have died, and the death toll continues to rise. Our sons and daughters at the U.S. Military Services and our allied forces are still on the front lines. Just today we read that 3 NAO troops were killed August 29 by an imposter dressed in an Afghan army uniform, bringing the total “inside” death toll for the month of August to 15.

In my mind, every death on the account of 9/11 is the result of the horrific slaughter of the innocent by the evil manifestation of the hate within the hearts of a handful of men. Hate, without the healing love and grace of God is not of God and is therefore a source of evil, and the root of intolerance such as hate can come out of the least likely individuals and can be misdirected toward the most obvious scapegoat.

Three years ago, after watching the news of a southern preacher threatening to burn Koran books on the anniversary of 9/11, I was moved by the spirit of the Lord to bring people together in love and peace to send out the good news of God's grace and forgiveness as revealed through His son Jesus Christ. As it is written in Matthew 18:21-22, then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

What better way to honor the innocent than through the message of the innocent son of God our living word, Jesus Christ?

Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 11, at the Catholic Church in Nespelem as we come together in the way of song, prayer and the ringing of bells. Or you are more than welcome to start a prayer group in your community. Where ever you may be, in the spirit of the love and grace of God as revealed through His son Jesus Christ, light a candle, ring a bell and pray a prayer to bring His peace.

Our church bells will begin to ring out Christ's message of peace on Sept. 11, Tuesday morning at 5:46 and end in prayer at 9 Tuesday night.

The schedule is as follows:

5:46 a.m. - American Airlines Flight #11 crashed into the World Trade Center's North Tower.

6:03 - United Airlines Flight #715 crashed into the World Trade Center's South Tower.

6:37 - American Airlines Flight #77 crashed into the Pentagon.

7:03 - United Flight #93 crash-landed in a field near Shanksville, Penn.

8:10 - From hereafter the bells will ring 7 times every 70 minutes to signify Christ's message of forgiveness. Matt. 18:21-22

9:20 - 10:30 - 11:40 - Noon lunch (no bells) - 12:50 - 2:00 - 3:10 - 4:20 - 5:30 + dinner - 6:40 - 7:50 - 9 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact me in the evenings at 633-7491. Thank you and may the peace of Christ be with you.

Angel H. Clark

Coulee Dam