Addendum to Sept. 11 Reflections

So, when I got home on Monday night, I flipped on C-Span (hoping for some good BookTV, honestly) and caught some of the 9/11 memorial service. Wow, were there a lot of quasi-religious/state religion hymns being played: God Bless America, et. al. And of course the requisite "Amazing Grace." Not that I don't love the song, but what does that have to do with September 11th? Especially when they left out the verse having to do with toils and snares? Basically, it was spiritual comfort food - not challenging, and bad for your health.

What was refreshing, though, was a reading from Matthew. I didn't see the whole ceremony - I was listening to the TV for a lot of it - but I found a certain pleasure in watching President Bush as the Beattitudes were read slowly and very deliberately. These are some of Jesus' most radical teachings - one that upset the order of the politically powerful in favor of the poor, the meek, and the mournful. The best part was when the camera zoomed in, right as the reader said, "Blessed are the peacemakers," in his flat, loud voice.

Interesting choice.