The death of a criminal (Vol 3 No 76)
Martin Luther King (Jr) reflects: "I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." Celebrating a death is not a celebration of life and tends to fly directly contrary to the call to life that Jesus has advocated.
I will mourn when thousands perish;
I will grieve when someone dies;
Can I feel this when the person
Is someone whom I despise?
If I wished to kill a tyrant
Rid this world of someone bad,
If the killing was successful
Is it honest to feel sad?
Sadness cries in desperation
When what’s evil seems to win;
But that sadness breathes desire
For new longings to begin.
“Love your enemies” said Jesus;
“Do not practise - Eye for Eye.”
Is this realistic teaching?
Does he set the bar too high?
In his life he showed the struggle;
In his life he won the fight
Not with violence but with loving;
Darkness conquered by the Light.
Tune St.Maybn Not in AHB or TiS Presbyterian Hymnary 395
3 76.pdf Mus