Perhaps in the unfolding realities of this world justice is a necessary and important goal - undoubtedly it is.  At its best justice is the consequence of the appropriate person (s) working to set things right and ensure that injustice and evil cannot continue.  But the administration of justice ought to always be a sobering reality not a joyful delight.  Nor should we assume that one person's heinous crimes so eclipse our own complicity as to make us totally innocent of the pain that racks the world or of the problems that rend the nations. 

We can give thanks whenever evil is stopped and terror is thwarted. But humility not hubris keeps us from the kind of gloating that imagines violence can bring simple solutions.  There is too much blame to be shared by too many people for far too much suffering for us to assume that in this one death the world has been put aright.  We are mindful that victims' families might well find closure and relief in this news and so we continue to pray for them even as we pray for a greater vision of peace for our world.

But we should be wary of the zealous desire for justice to be done lest it fall heavy upon ourselves as well.  This is especially true for the followers of Jesus who give thanks that they do not ultimately have to face the full weight of justice before God for the choices of their lives.  As recipients of mercy we should not be quick to condemn.  And so as we continue to learn of the unfolding events of this past weekend may our relief be tempered by self reflection, our conversations be seasoned with grace and our lives be characterized by love.