Egress of Evil

The most amazing thing about today’s self-described “intelligentsia” is not that they do not believe in God (which they don’t) but that they do not believe in evil – despite the most horrific examples that have taken place in the past hundred years and continue to erupt.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are those who give too much credit to Satan, in an almost Manichean extreme – parodied by the line “the Devil made me do it.”

Today’s Gospel reminds us of the reality of evil – evil in the world and an evil beyond that which our eyes can see – but it reminds us even more of the power and mercy of God. God is infinitely powerful, strong enough to be very patient. God is also very concerned with our salvation.

There is evil in the world and we should be aware of it as we keep our focus on doing what is right and good. By ourselves, we cannot conquer all the evil that exists, but that is all the more why we must stay close to the Lord and call on Him always to aid us.

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven,

Now is come
salvation and strength
and the kingdom of our God
and the power of his Christ:

for the accuser of our brethren is cast down,
who accused them before our God day and night.

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb,
and by the word of their testimony;
and they did not love their lives to the death.

So rejoice, you heavens,
and you who dwell therein!
Revelation 12:10-12a