When I Was Seventeen

This infinitesimal corner of the universe celebrates only two events directly related to it host. The first is, naturally, the host's natal day. The other is the birth of this collection of pixels created by the host.

Yes, this my 'blogiversary.

Has 'blogging gone out of fashion? I would say, given the development of other social media, that answer leans toward the affirmative. Yet there are still very predominate and influential people who include this as part of their virtual footprint. I still think it has a purpose.

Perhaps that is why this is still around. I have never claimed to be proficient or that profound, despite a promising beginning. I always work toward being thoughtful and relevant, although being part of the news cycle has never been a fabric in this outfit. (And there have been plenty of things upon which to comment.) I don't mind being a "small, quiet voice". It is my hope that my words give you a point of departure for contemplation.

So once again, I renew my commitment to keep this going. It has never been on life support; rather, I would think it is more in hibernation. Yes, there will be the usual re-posts and monthly reminders. I just need to move the spirit and post on what interests me and upon which I can expound from my limited background, knowledge, and experience. For now, that it how I am defining how successful this is.

Do continue to come and visit; I enjoy your company.

The welcome mat is still out.

"Remember, Remember..."

 

 "...the eleventh of September."

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. 

George Santayana (1862-1952)

And those who will not remember the past are condemned to make a worse mistake.

The Augustinian privilege is invoked again today. For on this day 21 years ago, the worst terrorist act in the history of the United States was perpetrated. Two passenger planes were deliberately flown into the "Twin Towers" in New York, NY. A third found its way to the Pentagon in Washington, DC. A fourth, seemingly headed for the Capitol building, was forced to crash land in a field near Shanksville, PA due to the heroic efforts of the passengers.

2,996 lives were lost. It was a brilliant act of evil. Satan had to be more proud of himself than ever.

And so we made vows. One was to "Never Forget". There will be tributes and memorials all over the country and the interwebs today. As always, I encourage you to go to one in person and find more eloquent and elegant words than what are here.

The other was to take the fight to the enemy. In this "War on Terrorism" the battles have seemingly been few and far between. While we have somewhat succeeded in eliminating some cells and some major leaders, one has to wonder if this task is not a version of Hydra.

I am still tinged with sadness recollecting the events of that day. It still makes no sense. But spiritual battles never will, given our limited reasoning abilities. We are fighting powers we will never comprehend. But, as God has assured us the victory over evil by the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we still must combat it.

And so we pause to recall and reflect.

And so we will carry on.

Never Forget.

September 2022 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when prayer the Morning Offering:

For the abolition of the death penalty. We pray that the death penalty, which attacks the dignity of the human person, may be legally abolished in every country.

A reflection for this intention is found here.