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Maybe we finally have this City of Refuge thing down pat after yesterday's study article. The way the Law had it, the accidental manslayer had to flee to one of the six cities of refuge, where his case would be heard. If the 'avenger of blood' (closest relative of the deceased) killed him before he got there, he was guiltless. He might simply have lost it. Or he might figure there wouldn't have been an accident if the fellow had been more careful or not neglected safety. (aspects of safety on the job were also considered, as in 'What can we learn from this?') BUT some have said that he could not do otherwise. He MUST put the killer to death. It is not his prerogative to overlook or forgive, because principles greater than just a matter between two humans come into play. Still, it is hard to believe that a man, bereaved himself, would HAVE TO put to death someone, maybe a close friend or even a relative, who had accidentally taken a life. How does the following work as a compromise? The killer MUST flee to one of the cities of refuge - that much is clear. Why couldn't the avenger of blood take his sweet time in his 'pursuit' - or even walk there with him, if he was really a close chum? Our minds are skewed by the picture in the Watchtower decades ago of the manslayer running for all he is worth with the avenger hot on his heals. Who is to say it was always (or even usually) like that? The death was an accident. The city of refuge was a place where one might live a normal, productive and rewarding life. It was not a prison. But suppose the manslayer refused to go there, insisting he didn't have to, insisting he was 'guiltless' because he didn't mean to do what he did? THEN he would be put to death, not just for the accidental killing itself, or even primarily, but for the greater crime of thumbing his nose at God, for it is his arrangement. Put to death BY WHO becomes secondary. Maybe the avenger of blood. But if the avenger simply couldn't find it within himself to do it, it is hard to believe there would not be a posse or something to help him out or even take it off his hands. Of course, if the real sin is thumbing one's nose at God, the avenger would probably be incensed over THAT and would possibly 'rise to the occasion' on that count, whereas the death itself he would be willing to forgive. Does it work?

"With humility consider others superior to you."—Phil. 2:3. Imitate Jesus’ Humility and Tenderness “Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely.”—1 PET. 2:21. WE TEND to imitate those whose personality and ways we admire. Of all the humans who have walked the earth, no one is more worthy of imitation than Jesus Christ. Why is that? Jesus himself once said: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father also.” (John 14:9) Jesus reflects his Father’s personality so perfectly that observing the Son is like seeing the Father. Therefore, as we imitate Jesus, we draw closer to Jehovah, the greatest Personage in the universe. What a reward for imitating the qualities and ways of his Son! How, though, can we know what Jesus is like? Thankfully, we have an inspired written portrait of Jesus. Jehovah provided that record, as found in the Christian Greek Scriptures, because he wants us to become acquainted with his Son so that we can imitate him. (Read 1 Peter 2:21.) In the Bible, the example Jesus left is compared to “steps,” or footprints. In effect, Jehovah is telling us to walk behind Jesus and match our steps to his. Of course, Jesus left a perfect example for us, and we are far from perfect. But Jehovah does not expect us to follow Jesus’ steps perfectly. Rather, the Father expects us to imitate his Son to the best of our ability as imperfect humans.

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A few years ago, Julie Jones witnessed the respect Mercy employees have for the different backgrounds of others after the unexpected death of a co-worker. This co-worker was from India and of the Hindu faith. Since his family had few financial resources, co-workers raised money to transport his body back to India for a proper burial. They also held a prayer service with his team members, which included a chant for peace performed by other co-workers of the Hindu faith. "It was one of those moments where I felt so proud to be part of Mercy because we helped him have a proper burial and our interfaith prayer offered comfort," said Jones, vice president of mission and ministry at Mercy. As the fifth largest Catholic health care system in the nation serving multiple states, Mercy treats patients and hires employees from diverse backgrounds and religious beliefs. At many of Mercy's facilities, religious texts are available for different religions. Here are several examples of how Mercy has embraced people from different faith traditions and cultures: Culturally and religiously sensitive care: During Ramadan — a month-long period of strict fasting from sunrise to sunset for Muslims — Mercy dietitians have worked with patients to ensure they respect their traditions while receiving the necessary nutrients. Mercy provides advance directives and declination of blood product forms as requested since many Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in accepting blood products. Prayer requests: A non-denominational Christian woman loved to go to church on Sundays, but was unable to since she was hospitalized and was dying from cancer. Mercy co-workers arranged for her church to come to the hospital and perform a church service. Practicing Muslims are required to pray several times per day. Some Mercy facilities have found designated spaces for patients, families and Mercy co-workers to have a private place to pray. Many of Mercy's facilities offer battery-operated Shabbat candles, which are lit on Fridays before sunset to welcome in the Jewish Sabbath. End-of-life traditions: In one Mercy community, a man of American Indian descent was in the intensive care unit and was dying. The Mercy team arranged to have a medicine man come to the hospital and lead a ceremony with family. Mercy has assisted Buddhist families in the ritual cleaning of a patient's body prior to death. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mercys-history-of-honoring-diverse-backgrounds-300414362.html

If we should "get out of Babylon the Great" then why is it ok to go into hospitals that have been set up, and have funding from Churches? Such as Mercy hospitals or Catholic Healthcare West or Methodist hospitals etc.... Isnt that a little contradictory or hypocritical?