thanatos syndrome

We all, we humans, want death for ourselves and others. It is the Thanatos Syndrome--self-destruction mixed with self-preservation. If someone inhibits us, we wish to destroy them. We impact them in some negative way, they want to destroy us. Jesus' words aren't just counter-cultural; they're counter-human:

38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'^[g] 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor^[h] and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies^[i] and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Contrast it with this news today. This, I think, is the usual way of things. Think of how this boy sees the world, how he will grow up--the bitterness that he will feel at the man he killed, bitter because he cannot extract further revenge. And he will go looking to destroy others in order to make the hurt goes away that does not go away. It makes my heart hurt.