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February 24, 2016
In the Scriptures today we’re faced with the conflict between good and evil. News in recent years has given us almost daily accounts of the triumph of evil in many parts of the world, especially the lands where Jeremiah and Jesus walked.
The perpetrators of evil claim what they’re doing is right and proclaim themselves martyrs for the cause as well! Jeremiah cries out in anguish to God for help in subduing those who are against him.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tries to teach His disciples and us to be aware of the intensity with which evil will confront goodness. He also points out the lengths to which His enemies will go to destroy goodness—and asks us to face the truth of our own wrongdoing.
These readings are not about something 2,000 years ago; they’re about today. If we feel frustrated at not being able to solve the major problems of the world, maybe we can start in our own home.
No one is perfect, and we can make the world better by honestly facing up to any evil in our own lives. The more comfortable we are in our own skin, the more easily we can acknowledge our sins.
May we trust the God of mercy during this holy season and make the world a better place!
Father Raymond Collins, C.Ss.R.
PhiladelphiaScripture readings for today: Jeremiah 18:18-20; Psalm 31; Matthew 20:17-28