Last year New Jersey passed a law that permits certain prisoners to apply for what is called “compassionate release.” Two doctors must certify that the prisoner has a terminal illness that would result in death within six months or is totally incapacitated. Even persons convicted of the most heinous crimes could qualify under this program.
Decisions in these matters were moved from the State Parole Board to Superior Court Judges who would, after a hearing, decide whether the prisoner would get released. In his decision denying relief to Al-Damany Karmau was convicted of killing a Newark policeman in 1993. Karmau has MS and now is unable to even bathe or dress himself.
Judge Wigler denied the request saying Karmau had shown “zero compassion” when he shot Officer Sczyrek in the back and wounded several others. Sczyrek’s widow angrily testified that he should not be released even if dying. How do we measure compassion? Compassion does not mean forgiveness, only mercy. Scripture tells us that Jesus often showed compassion on even the unjust.
Prayer for the Day
Asking for mercy we come to you, Holy Friend,
For we know that the heart of compassion is love;
Harboring old grudges that we hide deep inside us,
We ask for your help in erasing them from our hearts.
May we learn to embrace as we have been embraced,
And to be as generous as you have been with us.
In the name of the One who is the embodiment of your generosity,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The quality of mercy is not strained; it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest;
It blesses him that giveth and him that takes.
- Portia in The Merchant of Venice, Act IV, Scene 1
Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.
- Henry James, American novelist (1843-1916)
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
According to your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalm 51: 1-2