In the face of a man's death, a Christian never rejoices

So says today's Vatican statement on the death of Osama bin Laden.  The entire statement goes on to say: we should reflect on the serious responsibilities of each person before God and man.  What should the Christian response be today that this most hideous man; this terrorist is now dead?

As the news spread last night we were made witness through our televisions and computers of the celebrations that broke out at the White House, Times Square, Ground Zero and many other places.  Were all these Americans rejoicing and celebrating in the death of bin Laden?  Would not the celebrations have been equally joyful if he would have been merely captured?

I have no doubt that among those hearing the news quite a few are rejoicing in his death.  Many, however, may be rejoicing in the end of this saga and are not rejoicing over his death.  And of course many of the spontaneous celebrations are a outflow of the patriotism of many a good American.  I have been moved by how many of my friends have shown great restraint in reminding one another that we should not rejoice in the death of a seemingly unrepentant sinner.  Even Jesus said he desires not the death of a sinner but that he be converted and live.

I do know this; so many silly comments are being made on the web; partisan silliness, attacks on this President and the last, more general attacks on the country not to mention all the crazy conspiracy garbage.  For me I respond thusly; no time today for partisan bickering, no time to assign political motivations; no time to bicker or fight.  This is a time that calls out boldly and loudly for prayer, unity and a renewed sense of concern for one another.

For us Christians, particularly Catholics, we know that this historic event occured on the Feast of Divine Mercy.  In the diary dictated to her by Christ, St. Faustina tells us that Jesus will respond to even the greatest sinner, if he trusts in His mercy.  Bin Laden had this opportunity too; if he did not take it then he leaves this world with God's justice, not ours.

So today I choose to be reflective today, thinking not so much about Osama Bin Laden but our troops, the men and women who died innocently at the hands of these terrorists and a world that would be so much better off if we just surrendered fully and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.