Universes

Parallel

Sunday millions of people converged on Saint Peter's Square in Rome- aptly so named because it is constructed on top of the bones of Saint Peter, the first Pope and Apostle of Jesus whom Jesus appointed head prefect of his synagogue or religious school of thought- another sort of madrassas if you will -by another name of course.
What brought millions of orderly people together? A 'beatification' of a very beloved deceased Pope- one who said things like "Do Not Be Afraid." One who reminded us that Jesus said "Peace Be With You" -which was the reading for the day where Jesus shows up in the middle of a room mysteriously though the doors were locked to be with people he desired intensely to be with. Peace Be With You.
This Pope was shot in the head by a Muslim. He nearly died. It could have precipitated his parkinsons- who knows, that lingered long and caused serious suffering.
Astoundingly, He forgave him. He visited him in jail and heard his confession. The two reconciled and the Turk who shot him became an avid life long fan of this Pope. The Pope forgave the person who shot him in the head. Who do you have trouble forgiving?

The same day our military shot someone in the head. We deemed him evil and responsible for thousands of deaths. "Hate what is evil, love what is good" our bible teaches us. But does it tell us to kill off what we deem evil? Well, perhaps the discussion of 'just war' is evokable but perhaps not.

The Pope, John Paul II got mad twice we were told by a
Cardinal at the Papal Mass (I watched on a big screen at the JPII Cultural Center in DC). He got mad at the Maffia and he got mad at the Iraq war. He even sent Cardinal Laghi to dissuade Bush from launching it. Because War is against Christian teaching. The Iraq war didn't meet the requirements for "just war" as surely there was another way, according to the Pope as relayed by former Ambassador to the Holy See, under Bush I, Melady.

So while the world watched in multitudes that dwarfed the Royal Wedding from every corner of the globe the 'beatification' of a Holy Man who prayed and lobbied so that "peace" would be with you, we shot a bad guy in the Head.

Bully Bully Bravo for us- I guess.