"Love your enemies. Bless those who persecute you," says Jesus.

I have had to remind myself of those lessons over and over and over again since I first learned of the horrific terroristic attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. My initial reaction was disbelief. That was followed by horror, then grief, and then anger. Eventually thoughts of revenge filled my mind, thick and noxious, like the ash and smoke that filled the air in Manhattan.

In my saner moments, it is clear that being confronted with the forces of evil is the price we pay for having free will. And I love my free will, even though it gets me into a lot of trouble at times.

In my crazier moments, I find myself praying that God will take away all possibility of evil and make us into the spiritual equivalents of Stepford wives. The concept of peace at any price is seductive.

Instead I pray for inner peace and wisdom and compassion.

Almighty God, you have taught us that we can seek and find shelter in the time of storm in your loving embrace. Remind me of that whenever I am fearful and anxious.

Spirit of Wisdom, show us all that The Way is the way.

Loving Creator, sow seeds of love in our hearts. Let us all see the perpetrators of these acts through your eyes, and not our own.

Amen.