Whoever wants to be first
must be last of all and servant of all.Imagine the hustle and
bustle of New York City ... the activity around Wall Street, retail outlets, Broadway
shows. People are going about their business, trying to get ahead in the world. Then,
September 11 happens. Everything changes. Suddenly, our focus is turned to those who
regularly risk their lives for others day after day. Like it or not, firefighters were
asked to give of themselves above and beyond the call of duty. They did so without
reservation.
I don’t know how many of you have read the children’s book
about the little engine that could. It’s the story of a train that kept on going,
against all odds – sort of like the Energizer Bunny.
There’s a similarity between that story and a small chapel located
right next to where the Twin Towers used to stand, in the area we now call Ground Zero.
Amid all the devastation that took place during the attack that morning in September, the
chapel alone remained perfectly intact. Not even one stained glass window was cracked or
broken.
St. Paul’s Chapel was, therefore, given the affectionate title,
"The little chapel that stood." Today, it serves the workers of that devastated
area. It remains open 24 hours a day as a safe haven and shelter for the firefighters,
among others. Meals are served within its walls. Medical attention is regularly given to
those in need, and opportunity for rest is offered. Many use the pews to sleep or to find
a place of solace amid the new reality this tragedy has made clear. It is the one place
that holds an element of hope for the workers, even as they deal with the trauma of dead
bodies and unrelenting nightmares.
Christ is our chapel. He is the one who remains there for us amid all
the difficult times in our lives. When we feel weary from our work as his servants, he is
our resting place.
Lord, remind us that as we serve others, you care for us and give
us rest. Amen.
Laura Ulicky-Weerts
