Mary Johnson Killing

Mercy seems to be very rare in today’s world, most people if they had the option to punish someone who has hurt them, would do it without thinking twice. Mary Johnson of Minneapolis, Minnesota however is different than most. In February 1993, Mrs Johnson's son, Laramiun Byrd, 20, was shot in the head by 16-year-old Israel after an argument at a party. Israel was involved with drugs and gangs, was tried as an adult and sentenced to 25 and a half years. He served 17 when Mrs. Johnson said she wanted to visit him in prison. Johnson, a devout Christian requested to see Oshea Israel, however he declined. Nine months later, he accepted. Isreal said “I believe the first thing she said to me was, ''Look, you don't know me. I don't know you. Let's just start with right now.'' The pair met regularly after that. When Israel was released from prison around 18 months later, Mrs. Johnson introduced him to her landlord who with her blessing, invited Israel to move into the

People are fighting for murders to receive the death penalty. Mrs. Johnson however, made peace with her son’s killer, helped her son’s killer, and now is friends with her son’s killer. This truly is inspirational. She is happier now thaty she has made peace with this man. Countless people hold on to anger and hate for people who have hurt them but I truly don’t believe that is the right way to go about that situation. Pope Francis recalls an act of mercy similar to this one he said “Let us ... remember Peter: three times he denied Jesus, precisely when he should have been closest to him; and when he hits bottom he meets the gaze of Jesus who patiently, wordlessly, says to him: "Peter, don't be afraid of your weakness, trust in Me." Peter understands, he feels the loving gaze of Jesus and he weeps. How beautiful is this gaze of Jesus — how much tenderness is there! Brothers and sisters, let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of