Pray for our enemies, do not rejoice

I just woke up to the three inch headlines of Osama bin Laden’s death. All I can feel is grief. This is not a time for jubilation, no matter what the news media may be stirring up. Particularly for those of us who are called to love our enemies, to pray for peace, to do justice, this is a time for prayer and contemplation. Daniel Moran says it better than I can.

Update: Eric weighs in, with thoughts with which I agree; as do Adan and AKMA.

Update II: Here's the Vatican statement, which says: "In the face of a man's death, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibilities of each person before God and before men, and hopes and works so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not of hatred."

Update III: Here's the statement from the UCC.