Weeping may tarry for the night,
But joy comes in the morning.
Ps. 30:5

It’s hard to believe it has been ten years. The 10th anniversary service of remembrance was held at the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orlean’s French Quarter. Mayor Landrieu spoke eloquently. Jesus said, “My house shall be a house of prayer for all people.” Archbishop Aymond made it so.

It was fantastic to have Pastor Mike Stadie, Director of Lutheran Disaster Response with us, along with his wife Barb. We had a good showing of folks from many of our New Orleans parishes.

New Orleans has come a long way in ten years, with local cooperation, help from around the country, from federal funds and non-profits. Federal funds exceeded $120 billion, of which $76 billion came to Louisiana, three times Louisiana’s state budget. The recovery would not have been possible without the support of the whole country.

The work is not done. There are still many who remain in the margins. Rabbi Edward Cohn of Temple Sinai reminded us we must continue and extend the work, so that all are fed, clothed, and housed.

The Rabbi told a story that hit home. A man and his son were clearing field, when the son came upon a large rock. “I’ll never be able to move that rock. It’s too large,” said the son. The father replied, “Yes, you can. If you use all your strength. So the son pushed and pushed, but the rock would not move. “Father,” the son said, “You told me I could move this rock.” The father replied, “You have not used all your strength my son, for you did not ask for my help.”



   
  
  
  
The mayor stayed after to greet people and take photos. I was impressed.

Here’s Mayor Landrieu with Pastora Rachel Ringlaben.