The Lockerbie Bomber and Compassion

I have heard the news report that the Lockerbie bomber was going free. I have read the New York Times account of his hero's homecoming. I have listened to the Scottish government's reason for releasing him and the reasons given by people who lost loved ones why he should never be released. And I have some questions.

What if this man was not guilty of the bombing? Not only has he always proclaimed innocence, but there is evidence suggesting that he is not the Lockerbie bomber. Shouldn't he be shown compassion if he truly is innocent? What if he was the bomber? Isn't it possible that people can truly regret their actions, especially towards the end of life? Why would the press show the pictures of the homecoming knowing that they were inflammatory pictures? What if this dying man just wanted to go home instead of being paraded in front of a bunch of people? What if he is just a pawn of the Libyan leader, Moammar Gadhafi? Is there any connection between the petroleum company BP and what just occurred?

In the midst of all these questions, I do know a few things for certain.

First, we will never know exactly what happened and why. Whenever there is a conflict, there is always more to it than what is seen. I can know what I am told, but I can never know if this convicted killer carried out these bombings. What if he did what he did, or at least took the fall for it, to protect someone he loves? And I know that I will never know the truth just by listening to the press. For all sorts of reasons, the press is biased.

Second, I have the ability to control my response to a situation and that is all. I can choose to be angry at the convicted bomber for what he is accused of doing. I can choose to be compassionate to him and the victims. I can choose to ignore the whole situation as being out of my hands. (Anyone who knows me knows that won't happen.) I try to choose compassion. I have learned that you reap compassion if you sow compassion. Others are more understanding to me if I try to be more understanding. Also, when I hold on to ill will, I myself fall victim to that ill will. I don't sleep as well. I am harsher towards those I love. Activities that I enjoy are no longer enjoyable. Why would I want to feel that way, particularly when I might be making myself sick over misinformation?

In my own life, I have suffered and had to find compassion for the person I hold responsible. Sometimes it isn't easy. Sometimes, it is a day to day process. But by working at it day to day, I have come to appreciate my life more and to live it more fully. And I don't have to worry that I might have the wrong answers to all the questions I have.