Remembering 9/11 and the Beatitudes of Reconciliation

A visitor to this site Saturday (Sept. 10) asked about the Beatitudes of Reconciliation, written many years ago by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia. As a quick web search will demonstrate, today they are widely quoted by many groups that focus on unity and nonviolence.

As we remember the awful tragedy of 10 years ago today, it is appropriate that we publish them here in honor of all those who lost their lives and those who were forever changed on Sept. 11, 2001.

Beatitudes of Reconciliation

Blessed are those who are willing to enter into the process of being healed,
for they will become healers.
Blessed are those who recognize their own inner violence,
for they will come to know non-violence.
Blessed are those who can forgive self,
for they will become forgivers.
Blessed are those who are willing to let go of selfishness and self-centeredness,
for they will become a healing presence.
Blessed are those who will listen with compassion,
for they will become compassionate.
Blessed are those who are willing to enter into conflict,
for they will find transformation.
Blessed are those who know their interdependence with all creation,
for they will become unifiers.
Blessed are those who live a contemplative life stance,
for they will find God in all things.
Blessed are those who strive to live these beatitudes,
for they will become reconcilers.

— Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia, Kansas