When I ponder the reason why, I have to look at the harsh reality.  God radically respects Man's free will.  We wanted it that way (Remember the Garden of Eden).  Unfortunately, bad things happen to good people. Our society today doesn't use the words murder or massacre: the words for innocent people dying is "collateral damage."  The shock of the WTC attack has opened our eyes to the harsh reality of death, and perhaps our language will no longer be so sanitary.

In the aftermath of all of this, we wonder, "What's next, War?"

I understand the necessity of defending our country.  The concept of this is laid out in Romans 13:1-7:

Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been established by God.  Therefore, whoever resists authority opposes what God has appointed, and those who oppose it will bring judgment upon themselves.  For rulers are not a cause of fear to good conduct, but to evil. Do you wish to have no fear of authority? Then do what is good and you will receive approval from it,

for it is a servant of God for your good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword without purpose; it is the servant of God to inflict wrath on the evildoer.  Therefore, it is necessary to be subject not only because of the wrath but also because of conscience.  This is why you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.  

I also understand that Jesus wanted us to be more forgiving and tolerant, as in Matthew 5:38-45:

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'

But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.

If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well.  Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.  Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.  You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust."

These scriptures seem to contradict each other, but they do not.  Not every one of us is in the government.  It is President Bush's responsibility to make the call to defend our country.  The citizens in the military are obliged to obey, and Congress is obliged to support him.  He must send planes, troops and tanks, as called for in this situation.  But what can we do?

We can Pray, Pray, Pray.  Pray for the souls of the attack victims and their families.  Pray for President Bush, that his obligation of justice does not evolve into a sprit of vengeance.  Pray for ourselves, that our mourning and sorrow does not turn into hatred and prejudice.  Our country has had enough racial problems.  We must pray, in love, for the conversion of our enemies, as Jesus commands.

We can Pray, Pray, pray.  Get yourself in front of the Blessed Sacrament.  Worship God in spiritual song.  Pray the Rosary, pray Novenas, Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet.  Read the Bible (that can also be a prayer form). Pray in tongues.  Whatever it takes to bring your heart to heaven, do it.  Beg for mercy for our suffering world.  Beg for mercy for our innocent children of this world who will inherit the mess we all made of it.

Support our country with patriotism, tempering it with mercy for ALL fellow men and women.

Our founding fathers intended for the separation of Church and State, not the separation of God and man.  Pray for prayer and discipline to return to our lives.

It is our government's obligation to protect us.  It is our call to be citizens of good will.  We need to pray, pray, pray, and modify our behavior.

Be vigilant, my fellow Christians.  We are in for a long ride.