reality of evil

Your opponent the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour.
Resist him, steadfast in faith,
knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.

These words are from today’s 1st reading. I must admit when I first came back to the church, I was a bit uncomfortable with the occasional talk about the reality of evil. In my head, I always hear Dana Carvey as the Church Lady saying …. “Could it be SATAN???!!.” It was just so dramatic. And churchy.

But the reality of evil is dramatic. Prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. What imagery! As much as it might make me uncomfortable, one need only look at the world around us … at the global poverty, environmental degradation and pervading violence … to know that here is truth to the idea of the reality of evil. We see signs too in our own lives. In the moments when we are tempted to take the easy road. To look out for number one and ignore the fates of our fellow travelers.

The second part of this passage gives us clues as to how not only to deal with, but overcome the reality of evil with the power of love. Know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. We are all in this together. And together, through the God of all grace, we will be restored, confirmed and strengthened.

On that note … Happy Tuesday everyone!