The Flash! March 22, 2012

Dear Hanover Saints,

In 2002 Bruce Springsteen released an album in tribute to those who sacrificed themselves in the September 11, 2001 attacks.  He named the album “The Rising”, offering musical hope that life would emerge from the ashes of the World Trade Centers.  The second song is “Into the Fire”…

The sky was falling and streaked with blood
I heard you calling me, then you disappeared into the dust
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need your kiss, but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs, into the fire

May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love

You gave your love to see in fields of red and autumn brown
You gave your love to me and lay your body down
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need you near, but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs, into the fire

May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love

It was dark, too dark to see, you held me in the light you gave
Then walked into the darkness of your smoky grave
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need your kiss but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs, into the fire

May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love

May the strength, faith, hope, and love of the One whose love and duty called him to a higher place be our source of strength, faith, hope, and love.  In these coming days, may we know…

Peace,