Today’s Reading: Mark 7:21-23 Version CEV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+7%3A21-23&version=CEV
In contemplating so much corruption, so much evil, so much selfishness and violence, we think, “All is lost, there is no hope for humanity. It seems that there is no room for kindness, brotherhood, love, understanding between people. The power of evil has spread everywhere, generating hatred, enmity, fights and even death”.

You cannot see death, cannot touch it, but you can feel its effects. Evil comes from the depths, into the heart of people. The Lord says: “Out of your heart come evil thoughts, vulgar deeds, stealing, murder, unfaithfulness in marriage, greed, meanness, deceit, indecency, envy, insults, pride, and foolishness. All of these come from your heart, and they are what make you unfit to worship God.”

However, all is not lost. We think, “Good has been defeated again; but from the ashes he raises to truth and justice. Hatred, violence, lies, envy, crucified Jesus. In the darkness of that day, the forces of evil could have danced and celebrated the victory. But that did not happen. Jesus rose to life, conquering death and sin and all it represented. It was the strength and power of God’s love that triumphed over hatred and evil.

Do good, stay close to Jesus and love your neighbor. This world will not be transformed by hatred and violence, but by the power of justice and the love of God.

Ildefonso Torres