Day 4
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Theme: Changed by the Lord’s
victory over evil
Text: Overcome evil with good (Rom 12:21) |
Readings
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Ex 23:1-9
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Do not follow the majority in
wrongdoing
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Ps 1
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Happy are those whose delight is
in the law of the Lord
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Rom 12:17-21
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Overcome evil with good
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Mt 4:1-11
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Worship the Lord your God, and
serve Him only
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Commentary
In Jesus we learn what ‘victory’
really means for human beings - that is, happiness with one another in God’s
love through His overcoming of all that keeps us apart. This is a sharing in
Christ’s victory over the destructive forces that damage humanity and all of
God’s creation. In Jesus we can share in a new life which calls us to struggle
against what is wrong in our world with renewed confidence and with a delight
in what is good.
The words of the Old Testament give
a categorical warning against engaging in wrongdoing and injustice. The
attitude of the majority must not in any way provide an excuse. Neither do
wealth or other situations in life entitle a person to do wrong.
Psalm 1 draws attention not only to
the need to observe the commandments, but especially to the joyful fruits of
doing so. A person who loves the law of the Lord above all else is called happy
and blessed. The word of God is a sure guide in adversity and is the fulfilment
of human wisdom. Meditating on the word of God day and night enables a
person to lead a life full of fruitfulness for the good of others.
In the apostle’s admonitions we find
encouragement to overcome evil with good. Only good can interrupt the
endless spiral of hatred and the human desire for revenge. In the struggle for
what is good, not everything depends on human beings. However, the apostle Paul
calls for every effort to be made to maintain peace with others. He understands
our continuous struggle against our instincts to harm those who hurt us. But
Paul appeals to us not to let ourselves be overcome by these destructive
feelings. Doing good is an effective way of combating wrong-doing among us.
The gospel reading describes the Son
of God’s struggle against Satan – the personification of evil. Jesus’ victory
over the temptations in the desert is fulfilled in His obedience to the Father,
which leads Him to the Cross. The Saviour’s resurrection confirms that here
God’s goodness ultimately wins: love overcomes death. The risen Lord is near!
He accompanies us in every struggle against temptation and sin in the world.
His presence calls Christians to act together in the cause of goodness.
The scandal is that because of our
divisions we cannot be strong enough to fight against the evils of our time.
United in Christ, delighting in His law of love, we are called to share in His
mission of bringing hope to the places of injustice, hatred, and despair.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You for
Your victory over evil and division. We praise You for Your sacrifice and Your
resurrection that conquer death. Help us in our everyday struggle against all
adversity. May the Holy Spirit give us strength and wisdom so that, following
You, we may overcome evil with good, and division with reconciliation. Amen.
Questions for reflection
- Where do we see evil in our own lives?
- In what way can our faith in Christ help us to overcome evil and the Evil One?
- What can we learn from situations in our community where division has given way to reconciliation?
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