WHILE SEPT. 11 was a shocking event for people around the world, for me it was deeply personal. And it provided an opportunity to practice the presence of Jesus in the midst of unspeakable suffering.

I was serving in the New York City area at the time and actually watched the second plane hit the second tower. Then I called the youth minister. We rushed up to the high school. We just hung out there all day with the kids and those working at the school. I wanted to be used by Christ, but I often felt a loss for words.

Silent presence was to be our greatest gift.

My friend worked in Garden City, 20 miles from Manhattan. From the office roof, he and his co-workers watched the towers burn. When the towers collapsed, they silently went home to their families.

For the next days, weeks and months, there were endless funerals. One religious community on Long Island that runs two Catholic high schools lost over 60 alumni. Many of our priests struggled to find adequate words. They preached Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Fireman Joseph Angelini Sr., and Fireman Joseph Angelini Jr., died on Sept. 11 — father and son. Joseph Sr.’s body was recovered. At his funeral, I stood silently outside with hundreds of firefighters and police officers in the middle of Wellwood Avenue. Christ was suffering right in front of me, and I wanted to comfort Him. But all I could do was stand with my brothers and sisters in solidarity and communion. The body of Joseph Angelini Jr., was not recovered. Months later, his family held a memorial Mass. Again, I stood with my brothers and sisters. I wanted to do something, say something; but silence seemed best — just being present, standing with them, letting them know they were not alone. You could almost hear the Lord say, as in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (NIV).

In times of great pain and suffering, just sharing the pain is what I believe Christ asks. I wanted to let Christ use me; and I think He did, silently.

_____________________

Father Rich Kammerer is the associate pastor and parish youth moderator at Saints Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Church in Deer Park, New York.