Firing-squad execution spurs theological reflections

From Indianapolis-

The Rev. Harold V. Smith, retired Episcopal priest

A few days ago, a man was executed for having committed murder. Now comes the question: "How does the condemned man's victim's family feel? What is their reaction to the execution of a man who caused them pain?"

The natural reaction -- probably the impulsive reaction -- might be, "Good riddance of bad rubbish!" Someone has hurt you, hurt you badly, and you find yourself wrestling with a question that's popped into your head: "Should I forgive him? How can I forgive him? Why should I forgive him? And if I forgive him now, will he turn around and hurt me again?"

Many of us have found ourselves in such a quandary. Our natural inclination, when we've been hurt by someone, is to hurt back. "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," some would cry, as if revenge for the wrong is justifiably called for. But contrary to a common practice of the day, Jesus called instead for the wronged one to "turn the other cheek." Our Lord's counsel was always to counter evil with good. When Peter, asking Jesus how many times -- perhaps seven times? -- he should forgive someone, Jesus responded, "Not seven times . . . but 77 times." In other words, forgive as many times as you have been offended.

Jesus gave us the supreme example of forgiving. As he was dying upon the cross, he said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

More here-

http://www.indystar.com/article/20100626/LIVING09/6260335/1007/LIVING/Firing-squad-execution-spurs-theological-reflections