Exactly three months ago today, something happened that made the history books. As my brother had pointed out to me, the week of April 25th had been an interesting mix of world events: (1) the royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in England on Friday (April 29th); (2) the beatification of Pope John Paul II in Rome on Sunday morning (May 1st); (3) the assassination of the 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Ladin in Pakistan on Monday (May 2nd). All three events generated mixed feelings of joy (for the English and Catholics) and sadness (for the bin Ladin worshippers).
Everywhere these occurrences happened, there were throngs of people. The multitude of people at the first two events were jubilant folks, those who believed in the “happily ever after” of Diana’s firstborn finding his commoner match and the celebrative faithful who rejoiced in the coming sainthood of a papal figure much revered and loved.
Unfortunately, the last event was violently inspired with U.S. military men pulling the trigger on a much sought after international fugitive, thus ending his reign of terrorism. It certainly was a sad day for bin Ladin’s faithful followers, but I’m sure that everyone in America and all over the world who realized the negative influence of this man made a collective sigh of relief. It’s too bad that his life had to end for the sake of world peace.
My curious mind got me thinking: What if the events happened in the reverse… with bin Ladin’s death occurring first before the wedding and beatification? Would the celebratory and joyous occasions been strongly marred by news of the terrorist leader’s assassination? It’s another fitting moment when I couldn’t help but ponder on the goodness of the All-Knowing Lord. He is the expert in world event planning, and in His Book, the happy occasions should have preceded the tragedy.
Although there’s no telling what the near future holds for world peace efforts, my personal wish is that now will be the dawn of the winding down of terrorist attacks. We just can’t go on risking military and civilian lives and, for many people in the world, living in constant fear for their safety. It’s time that the U.S. troops got themselves home to their loved ones and back to a world where bullets and ammunitions stay out of commission.
There’s no doubt that the past April/May events happened at a time they really should. After all, nothing really transpires without the planning of a Power greater than any of us.
