Juxtaposition

Possibly not the most enticing heading to place on a post!! However, it’s a word that refers to two items, placed side by side in order to emphasise a relationship – whether of similarity, or of difference – between them.

Today’s newspapers had such a juxtaposition. One story was of 58-year-old Sean Ferguson, released from jail after having served 27 years for a crime that he definitely didn’t commit. The other was of 73-year-old Josef Fritzl finally having admitted to crimes that he definitely did commit – crimes of a most despicable nature.

Sean Ferguson could have been released many years ago – but only if he had admitted guilt. This was something that he was not prepared to do, simply because, regardless of the verdict of a jury, he knew that he was innocent. Josef Fritzl, for the months during which he has been in custody, refused to acknowledge his guilt, even ’though there could be no doubt about it.

My first thought has to do with the concept of responsibility. There is a sense in which Sean Ferguson was being responsible to himself – to the truth, and to his own integrity. Yes, I know that he already had some kind of criminal record before he was convicted of the rape and murder that landed him with a life sentence; but “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone” (John 8:7) are words that come to mind. Josef Fritzl, on the other hand seems, until now, to have refused to accept any responsibility for his action in imprisoning his daughter; repeatedly raping her; and fathering seven children by her – one of whom died, in infancy, from neglect.

My second thought concerns two other men, from almost 2,000 years ago. They are the two criminals who were crucified by the Roman authorities, one on either side of Jesus of Nazareth. "One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, ‘So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself – and us, too, while you're at it!’ But the other criminal protested, ‘Don't you fear God even when you are dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn't done anything wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with Me in paradise.’" (Luke 23:39-43).

There are certain differences, of course, in the two situations. The criminal who died beside Jesus was, as far as we know, “guilty as charged”. But it’s that concept of responsibility that is still in my mind. In the “Western world”, so many seem to be all-too-familiar with their (perceived) rights. All too few appear to be willing to accept responsibility for their own actions! However, the teaching of the Christian Bible is that each one of us is responsible – and answerable! See, for example, Ezekiel 18: 4-24. and Matthew 25: 14-28. Which leaves the question – “On which side of the cross are you?”