Responding to Responsibility

Yesterday morning I read about Pensthorpe, a local nature reserve. They published this picture and posted the following:

We’re currently in negotiations with a group of ducks and ducklings who have taken up residence in our brand-new outdoor play area… Despite our best efforts, they’ve made it clear this is now their territory.

For the time being, we advise visitors to steer clear while we work towards a peaceful agreement. Thank you for your understanding.

The ducks have declined to comment.

Yesterday afternoon I read about the First World War… soldiers found guilty of cowardice and desertion facing firing squads:

‘…because no single member of the squad could save the condemned man’s life by not firing, the moral incentive to disobey the order was reduced. The phenomenon is known as ‘diffusion of responsibility’…

‘…in some cases, one member of the squad was issued with a gun containing a blank… each member of the squad could hope beforehand that he was the one with the blank… allowed everyone to believe that he had not personally fired the fatal shot…’

Today is ‘Maundy Thursday’. Christians throughout the world will remember the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion – Jesus washes his disciples’ feet… they eat the Last Supper together… they go to the garden of Gethsemane… Jesus prays, the disciples fall asleep… Judas betrays Jesus… Jesus is arrested… the disciples run away, abandoning Jesus…

I put myself in each scenario, becoming part of each drama…

…I’m negotiating with ducks, understanding their concerns, wanting children to use the play area, taking my responsibility seriously. (Later Pensthorpe revealed it was an April Fool)

…I’m ordered to be part of a firing squad, required to execute a traumatised colleague, I fire my rifle, hoping I’m not the one to fire the fatal shot. It’s not my fault. I diffuse responsibility.

…I’m present in the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas and the soldiers arrest Jesus. I’m scared. I panic. I run for my life with the other disciples. No loyalty, no consistency, no responsibility.