More stupid than evil

There is evil in the world: horrific malice that most of us can scarcely imagine.

There is also evil in the world that comes from simple selfishness: inevitably and ironically self-destructive.

And then there is the evil that is the fruit of sheer stupidity.

Indeed, in today’s first reading (Acts 3:11-26), St. Peter blames the most horrific of all evil deeds – the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ – on ignorance.

Now I know, brothers and sisters,
that you acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did...

In this, Peter followed the example of the Lord and the words he spoke from the cross.

Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.
(Luke 23:34)

Of course, we need to be careful, vigilant, and strong in Christ: deadly evil and fierce malice truly stalks the earth and the lure of selfish pleasure draws many to destruction.

(May the Lord Jesus have mercy on us all.)

Yet we must remember that there is also much ignorance even in the “communication age” and that there is much that we can do through the truth and forgiveness of Christ.

They know not what they do.

Forgive them and teach them.