Fr, Richtsteig at Orthometer posted
praying for Bin Laden’s soul. Not something I want to do. Not something I think will do any good. But, on the off chance it will, it is something I must do.
I can totally understand fathers feelings here.
“You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. –Matthew 5:43-48
If sanctity was easy the narrow path would be a super highway.
Jimmy Akin provides “The Morals of Killing bin Laden: Catholic Perspective”
3 comments
Right on! Your thoughts here and the Vatican’s statement will not jibe with many Americans, though (as can be seen in comboxes both on secular stories and on Catholic blogs). Yet the Bible says: “As I live, says the Lord GOD, I swear I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, but rather in the wicked man’s conversion, that he may live” (Ezek. 33:11). We should be glad that, as a direct result of his death, global terrorism will be set back (how much no one knows for sure) and global peace will be advanced. But, in accordance with the teaching of Jesus Christ (“You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” [Matt. 5:43-44]) we should not rejoice at his death per se. Nor can we assume that his soul is in hell (though that wouldn’t be surprising), since God alone is Judge.
you are mixing up personal murder with the killing of a dangerous criminal who was resisting arrest.
If he had given up, he would have been arrested, just like saddam Hussein was captured, tried, and executed by the state.
There is no where in the Gospels where Jesus condemned the actions of Roman soldiers for keeping the country safe. Not even John the Baptist told them to quit.
So yes, I’ll pray for his soul, but I rejoice he is no longer a danger to innocent women and children.
How about, “Love your enemy, and in doing so heap hot coals on his head.’ or word to that effect.