We remember

On April 19, 1995, the Wednesday following Easter, a bomb strategically placed in front of the Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City extinguished the lives of 168 people, many of them children in the building’s day care center. The bombing stunned the nation, especially when it was learned that the terror was domestic. At that time, it was our nation’s most deadly domestic terror attack.

The wounds of the bombing were haunting. For weeks, tireless men and women sifted through the ruins of the building in search of bodies. Funeral processions, some miles long, snaked through the city. The mangled remains of the building stood for weeks as a stark reminder of the immense power of violence. The world turned its attention to Oklahoma and wondered how the city would cope with the physical, emotional and spiritual devastation.

Many recall what happened next. A more compassionate and kinder city emerged from the wreckage. The unprecedented outpouring of love and sympathy reminded the world that hate should never have the final word. The Oklahoma Standard arose out of the ruins. Thousands lined up to donate blood; churches were packed with those wishing to pray; financial aid poured in to assist the victims and their families. 

As we mark another anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, we remember those whose lives were lost; the survivors who still carry the scars; those who gave selflessly to repair the breach in our hearts and all those affected that day. 

To the surprise of many, Oklahoma City made the decision to reinvent itself after the bombing, becoming a better and stronger community. The people of Oklahoma City were put to the cruelest of tests, but refused to allow their hearts to be defeated – or hatred to have the last  word. There is no explanation for this but the grace of God. 

The bombing memorial is a somber but beautiful place, and I would urge you to make a visit this month to remember and to pray. Just across the street at Saint Joseph Old Cathedral (badly damaged in the bombing), there is a poignant statue of Jesus weeping over the sufferings of his people. The statue is a good place to pause and remember, perhaps to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. This holy ground is a testament to God’s mercy in the face of violence and sin.

As we move through the Easter season, you will notice how often the Lord shows the disciples the wounds from his crucifixion. The scars in his hands, feet and side were proof that he had, in fact, suffered death, but had been raised to life by the Father. 

To this day, we venerate the wounds of Jesus; they remind us of what he suffered to save us from the silence of eternal death.

Likewise, Oklahoma City has never forgotten its wounds that linger from the violent act on April 19. Instead, Oklahomans acknowledge the great loss we suffered and the path of life we chose, moving forward and upward, toward light. Our wounds unite us with Jesus.

May the souls of those lost in the bombing rest in eternal peace. May those who loved them and continue to mourn them find consolation and peace. We remember.