USA Today reports that Judge Belvin Perry will sentence Casey Antony today at 9:00 a.m. Her conviction is for lying to police, not for murdering her daughter. The majority of the nation would very much like to have had the latter. Over the last several months we have become experts in the psychology of the criminal mind and are convinced beyond reasonable doubt that she is guilty. So if the jury and Judge Perry won't do it, we will – we will do the sentencing. Some have taken this more literally than others. Only moments after her acquittal, Antony began receiving death threats. NBA basketball star Vince Carter offered advice on his Twitter account that Casey "might want to move out of Florida like ASAP!!!" We just can't grasp how in the world this lying, conniving, and self-centered young woman can get off so easy.
Casey reminds me of another woman discovered clearly in her guilt. She was brought before the jury and tried for her crime – only this time they got the verdict right. But when it came time for sentencing, a different ethic ruled. A woman caught in adultery deserved to be stoned to death. But Jesus invited the one without sin to go first. One by one her accusers dropped their stones and walked away leaving Jesus alone with the guilty woman. "Neither do I condemn you," Jesus said; "go, and from now on sin no more" (John 8:11).
I started this blog in the morning and by now we all know that Casey will stay in jail until next Wednesday. Conversation on the TV news and at the company water cooler is all about what she'll do when she gets out. Perhaps we could use the time between now and next Wednesday to pray for Casey and to interject a different voice to these conversations. Perhaps we could talk about a God who offers grace and forgiveness no matter how big the crime and who invites his followers to do the same.
3 comments:
I think our judicial system leaves room to desired. I think the Prosecutor did a poor job. There have been many cases won with a lot a circumstantial evidence alone.
Many of us cannot understand why Casey was not punished for leaving little Caylee in the woods for a month before telling anyone. Sure, she was slapped on the hand for lying. That is not enough in our eyes. I am well aware none of us can 'throw the first stone' I sure can't. The verdict is a tragedy. Whether we are as sinful or more so than Casey is not the reason for the uproar. Right now, We want to know why she was not punished for neglect. Right now we are angry. I hope we can all remember what Jesus did when we settle down. I will and try to forgive. Right now we are in shock and have so many questions. You have brought it to our minds, though and that will help when we are ready. Thank you
Easily we fall into anger and cry out for blood at singular, egregious injustices.
What can we do about Casey Anthony, twit a hate message?
Everyday we walk by injustices more devastating because of their breadth and longevity. We walk through a culture and society that allows and encourages oppression of the poor, the weak, and the defenseless.
What can we do? We can personally act justly, love mercy; all the time walking humbly with God. And we are also to band together to make our communities and societies just and merciful.
I pray that the Holy Spirit would help us direct our anger at injustice into actions that show God’s love and justice for everyone.
Nicely put Stone's Gem. Thanks.
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