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Fr. Edmund Sylvia, C.S.C. recently read the following reflection on our radio program, Women of Grace Live, in honor of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. It gives us pause for reflection and consideration. May we never forget all of those who died on this infamous date especially those who were spiritually unprepared for their final moment of life on earth.  With these poor souls in mind, let us come together as the Church Militant, and offer our prayers for them.  It is just possible that the prayer we pray for them today, the Mass and Holy Communion we offer in their name, the sacrifice we make on their behalf may be the very vehicle God uses to bring them to Himself.  Let us, pray, too, for those who were left behind -- the survivors of the men and women lost and the men and women whose lives were spared. We are one body in Christ, and when one member suffers, so do we all.  Finally, let us beseech God to protect and make safe our country, as we seek to serve the One Who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Meet Me In The Stairwell by Stacey Randall

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001. Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say ‘Good-Bye.’ I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, ‘Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK..I am ready to go.’

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn’t coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. ‘I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!’ I said. ‘Of course I will show you the way home – only believe in Me now.’

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas, Virginia, California, Michigan, Afghanistan. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name – though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn’t hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; ‘Come to Me… this way… take my hand.’ Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are ‘ready to go.’

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

-Jesus

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"If you wish to prevent evil thoughts, let your eyes be modestly reserved, and make a league with them never to look upon anything which is not permitted you to desire." St. Gregory of Nyssa

For Reflection: St. Gregory of Nyssa recommends taking "custody of the eyes." What does this mean? To what extent do I take in through the senses that which is morally illicit - especially regarding chastity? How can I best follow St. Gregory's advice? (See tomorrow's Grace Line to discover how to protect all of the senses from sins against chastity.)

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"When an evil thought is presented to the mind, we must immediately endeavor to turn our thoughts to God, or to something which is indifferent. But the best rule is, instantly to invoke the names of Jesus and Mary, and to continue to invoke them until the temptation ceases." St. Alphonsus Liguori For Reflection: What advice does St. Alphonsus Liguori give for overcoming evil thoughts? What makes his suggestions effective? What makes invoking the names of Jesus and Mary especially effective? Which of these suggestions will I employ when I am tempted? (See tomorrow's Grace Line for one suggestion on how to overcome evil thoughts.)

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"An evil thought defiles the soul when it is deliberate and is consented to. Our Lord placed evil thoughts at the head of all crimes, because they are their principle and source." St. John Baptist de la Salle For Reflection: Evil thoughts come to all of us. When are they a defilement to the soul (a sin) according to this quote? Why are evil thoughts the "head of all crimes?" How are they the "principle and source" of sinful actions? (See tomorrow's Grace Line for a way to overcome evil thoughts.)

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"Do not say that you have chaste minds if you have unchaste eyes, because an unchaste eye is the messenger of an unchaste heart." St. Augustine For Reflection: What is the connection between what we look at and what we do? How is it that the eye is the messenger of the heart? What fills my eyes? How can religious artwork in my home and in my office, in my car and in my area of recreation help me to remain chaste  

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"Purity? They ask. And they smile. They are the very people who approach marriage with worn-out bodies and disillusioned minds. How I wish your bearing and conversation were such that, on seeing or hearing you, people would say: this man reads the life of Jesus Christ." St. Josemaria Escriva For Reflection: Why does an unchaste life lead to "worn-out bodies" and "disillusioned minds?" Does my bearing and conversation speak of my relationship with Jesus Christ?

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"Avoid those who in your presence are not ashamed to make use of scandalous words, and expressions of double meaning." St. John Bosco For Reflection: How can foul language, sexual jokes, and expressions of double meaning lead to sins against chastity? Am I guilty of these? Do I participate even by listening? What effect has it had on my desire to live a chaste life?  

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"Nothing can be more dangerous than evil companions. They communicate the infection of their vices to all who associate with them." St. John Baptist de la Salle For Reflection: To what extent have I experienced relationships with others that have compromised my ability to live the virtue of chastity? Am I involved in any such relationships now? Am I willing to either change the nature of the relationship or break if off entirely to preserve my dignity and integrity with regard to this virtue? Why or why not?  

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"Here was one lady talking about my pretty hair and another, just going out the door wanting to know who that very pretty girl was. The thrill of pleasure I felt made me realize that I was full of self-love. I am always ready to sympathize with the people who lose their souls - after all, it's so easy, once you begin to stray along the primrose path of worldliness." St. Therese of Lisieux For Reflection: Why can beauty and over attention to appearance lead to sins against chastity? What can I do to reasonably guard myself from it?

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"Holy purity, the queen of virtues, the angelic virtue, is a jewel so precious that those who possess it become like the angels of God in heaven, even though clothed in mortal flesh." St. John Bosco For Reflection: What does the word "purity" mean to me? How do I demonstrate it? (Consider thoughts, words, and deeds.) With regard to purity, would someone describe me as an angel "clothed in mortal flesh?" Why or why not? What am I willing to do about it?

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