The Sunflower

I just finished reading The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal.

Simon was imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp where he suffered and witnessed incomprehensible horrors.  One day he was chosen from his work detail to visit Karl, an injured and dying member of the SS, whose conscience was stricken by his injustices toward Jews.  As a young boy, Karl had closely associated with his local priest who thought he should continue to study theology.  Then Hitler Youth came along and severed his ties with the Church. He had accomplished strict obedience to the Fuhrer (and his own pride and ambition) rather than God, and now lay tormented on his deathbed.

Karl whispered the details of his crimes against Jewish humanity for several hours through wound-soaked facial bandages.  Finally he verbally repented of his evil deeds and sought forgiveness from Simon, whom he saw as a representative of all oppressed Jews.  Simon was unable to give it and instead, walked away. Later Simon wondered if he had done the right thing.  He ends his story by asking the reader, “What would you have done?”

I am now reading a long appendix - over 50 responses from various theologians, writers, psychiatrists, political leaders, other Holocost survivors, and victims of attempted genocide in Bosia, Cambodia, China, and Tibet. They all attempt to answer Simon’s question. The book’s back cover suggests this to its readers:  “The Sunflower will challenge you to define your beliefs about justice, compassion, and human responsibility.” 

In a personal sense, it is also inviting me to reconsider the end of our study of Isaiah in BSF just a few weeks ago.  I’m mulling over the difference between contrition, or repentance out of love for God, and attrition, or repentance out of fear of punishment from Him.  What motivates any of us to turn from mistakes and wrongdoings – love (from God and for God), or fear (of consequential pain and even Hell)?

Contrition.  Deeply felt remorse and sorrow rising out of a pure love for God. Regret for having offended Him (remembering that we all fall short of His glory no matter how we see ourselves).  Resolve to seek Him anew, receive His mercy, and with His strength, to change and become who He created us to be.

“This is the one I esteem:

He who is humble and contrite in spirit,

And trembles at my word.”  Isaiah 66:2