"We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for He is our salvation, our life and our resurrection; through Him we are saved and made free." (Galatians 6:14)

The above reference from the entrance antiphon of today’s Mass gives us perspective for dealing with the tragic events of this past week in the United States. The terrorist attacks in New York and Washington were an affront to the dignity of human life. While intended as an attack against the United States, this action was an attack on humanity worldwide. Thousands have died; thousands are missing with little hope of being rescued; families have been destroyed; a nation is wounded; our world is scarred. Many who died were not Americans: hundreds of Europeans, Asians, South Americans and mid-Easterners were either working in or visiting the World Trade Center that day.

Perhaps, the most sobering reflection on this tragedy is that this affront on human life is nothing new. Peoples throughout the world have been victims of terrorist attacks for many years and human life seems to be regarded as nothing more than the rubble left in the aftermath. Every attack becomes more and more vicious and violence continues to escalate throughout our world. We all continue to ask the question: "Will it ever stop? – will we ever see peace?"

As Catholic Christians we reflect upon the Cross, and we realize that even in the most violent of circumstances, the power of God ultimately triumphs. We are reminded of the words of Jesus as He hung on that Cross: "Father, forgive them; they know not what they do," and we know that we as His disciples are called to that same forgiveness. But we also know without question that we are called to do all we can to cooperate with Jesus in bringing the kingdom of God to fulfillment: "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." It is our task, our obligation, our challenge, our privilege to do all in our power to help build a world of justice and peace.

As Catholics in Scouting, we celebrate an international brotherhood which facilitates working together for that peace we desire. The values we share in scouting give us tremendous tools to achieve our goals. We must recommit ourselves to that end.

Let us also hope and pray that world governments not seek indiscriminate retaliation against terrorism. Rational people cannot eradicate evil by using that same evil as its tool. Rather, may those responsible be brought to justice and let all peoples continue to work to eliminate hatred in our world. A popular hymn sung at many liturgies in the United States ends with the words: "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with ME." May God bless our efforts.

Rev. Msgr. Robert E. Guglielmone

World Ecclesiastical Assistant