9-11

After 4 years, there are some lessons from 9-11 that we have learned, and some that we haven't. Hurricane Katrina brings them both into stark contrast.

First, the political machine that heated the anger and revenge-seeking that led us into war in Iraq and Afghanistan seems to be the same one that was unwilling or unable to quickly address a natural disaster in the United States when it affected poor black people. A lesson we haven't learned, then, is how to hold our government accountable to true Christian values.

On the other hand, the generosity and concern of private individuals and groups in the wake of Hurricane Katrina has been an object lesson in what makes America strong. September 11th brought us together as a nation. Part of that togetherness was fueled by a common enemy. But part of that togetherness, as we now see, facing Katrina's aftermath, is the recognition of what is most important: care for family and community and the needs of those affected by tragedy.

I hope that what we will go on to learn from Katrina is that poverty and racism have real consequences in the lives of real people; they are not old-fashioned abstractions that have been mostly eliminated. Poverty and racism are the two towering sins that ultimately led to the deaths of thousands in New Orleans. It is clear that such a large storm with such power would have killed at least some people, but the compounding effects of neglect by the government and limited resources among the poor multiplied those consequences horrifically.

Here is my prayer:

God of wind and water, give us strength for this latest trial. Warm our hearts to the task of recovery, and give us endurance for the road ahead. Bring an end to injustice, and let your reign begin on earth. Amen.