Monday, May 2, 2011

I'm not Catholic, but I found myself agreeing with the Vatican today...

The Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi


"Osama bin Laden, as we all know, had the very grave responsibility of spreading division and hatred amongst the people, causing the death of countless of people, and of instrumentalizing religion for this end," he said. "In front of the death of man, a Christian never rejoices but rather reflects on the grave responsibility of each one in front of God and men, and hopes and commits himself so that every moment not be an occasion for hatred to grow but for peace."

I woke up this morning to about a million status updates on facebook about Osama Bin Laden. I had fallen asleep on the couch (for about the 3rd time last week) and didn't hear the news until this morning. Aaron and I talked about it as we got ready, Sara and I talked about it at work, students talked about it in class. I think if this occurred 5 years ago, I may have been celebrating today, but the Lord has been changing my heart. I used to think death penalty- yes! war-yes! MY idea of justice- yes! Today though, I didn't feel much for celebrating. Not that I don't believe that Bin Laden was guilty of every charge against him and the heinous things he has done to our country and our world, but simply because what does his death propel... an end to terrorism? peace in the middle east and our world? bringing back the people he killed? No, it very much does the opposite. I guess the Lord has been challenging me on what I believe justice looks like and recognizing that justice is HIS. That he is the only one called to be judge and jury. All this being said, it doesn't mean that I am not incredibly thankful for the military and their willingness to sacrifice on my behalf. I believe those Navy Seals completed the task they were asked and with courage and valor. I just wish their orders might have been different. And I am praying tonight for peace in our world. Praying that each of us would reflect on the sacrifice that Christ made for us and recognize that we don't need to worry about justice because in the end it will be the Lord's.

***Sorry for the political post. I usually avoid these but there was just too much going on in my brain to join the ranks of another Bin Laden facebook status. I'll get back to pictures of Everett and his cheerful gap toothed grin soon :)

1 comment:

Sarah C said...

I completely agree with you. I struggled with the news and hearing the voices of those that were elated over his death. I just kept coming back to the thought of "Who am I to decide if this is good/bad, right/wrong."
Glad you posted it.
Sarah C.