My Reflections of the Death of Osama Bin Laden

I felt mixed emotions at the news. It was a necessary killing but to rejoice in another mans death, still bothered me.

I once read where someone asked the Dali Lama whether is was ok to kill another if it would prevent the torture or killing of many other lives. He said only if it could be done out of a heart filled with compassion and love. But he also said, "But I don't think I could do it."

I'm not a Buddhist but both the Buddha and Jesus Christ taught non-violence. Yes, there is the theology of the "Just War." Sometimes it is necessary. But it should be "executed" from a deeper place than mere hate and vengeance. If I had to take the shot, I would probably have done it (I was a Soldier once) but I would hope that I would have done it out of love and compassion and justice for those who had died because of him and love for those who would not die tomorrow because of him; and not because my heart was full of anger, hatred and vengeance. Vengeance belongs to the Lord.

So, yes, I felt grateful but sickened by those who rejoiced in any mans death. perhaps its just a passing emotion from my current spiritual state of awareness. But nevertheless, I feel a conflict of emotions and thoughts. Justice was served but I weep for both his death and those he had killed.

Don't get me wrong. I am grateful. It was a necessary killing. But what bothers me is the hate I sense in the people who rejoice over it. I do not hate Obama. I pity him, for he is now probably in hell. But I love and weep for those who have died and rejoice for those who will live because or not die because of his death.

I guess its just this subtle something that is changing in me over the past year. I see things from a different sense of consciousness and heart. Not that I am living a holy and righteous life. It hasn't changed my lusts, fears and weaknesses. I just feel them all from a different place that I have ever been before.


Reflections from Sacred Scripture:

-"Do you think I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign LORD. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live." Ezekiel 18:23

Jesus Christ's Sermon on the Mount(Excerpts)-Matthew 5-7

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Murder
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister[b][c] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’[d] is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.


Eye for Eye
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[h] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 7
Judging Others
1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Romans 12.14
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

etc, etc, etc