Where is Evil? - The source and origin of Evil

Gospel Thoughts

*Fifth Week : Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 7:14-23*

*First Reading - Gn 2:4b-9, 15-17*

*Where is Evil? - The source and origin of Evil*

*1) There is so much evil in the World today*

This is one of the common expressions which we hear every day. 

In fact there is lot of evil in the world today and all agree with this 

If so, we need to ask a question, from where does this evil come from? Where is its source? How it works? 

These questions will help us to understand to am certain extent the working of the evil in and around us

*2) Where ever there is human beings there is evil*

In the book of Genesis we find along with the Adam and Eve there is also the problem of evil is found 

Evil comes in the context of the presence of the human being and evil has something to do with the human beings 

Where ever there is no human being the problem of evil also no found and the problem of evil is not very active 

In this way we see a close connection between Human beings and the evil 

*3) The source of evil is within and not from outside* 

In the Gospel of the day, Jesus makes it clear that, the evil comes from within the human being 

Evil is not existing somewhere in the out side. In other words the evil so called which exists outside the human being has no power to act 

So evil becomes active within the human being and it takes different forms 

*4) Heart and Mind becomes the centre of Evil things*

Heart and Mind exists within the human beings 

At times they become the channels to carry out the evil deeds 

From the Heart and Mind comes the following evil deeds *From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly*

So it is very clear that evil comes from within. All these above evil deeds have their origin either in the Heart or in the Mind. 

*5) Evil chooses the Heart and Mind of Human being*

It is very clear that evil chooses the heart and mind of human being to its activity 

By itself evil can do nothing. But when its works through the heart and mind of human beings it can have very deadly effect. So one should be very careful 

In fact the evil chose first the heart and mind of Eve, and it worked it evil deeds through her. 

Even today the evil is taking the human heart and mind for its evil deeds. 

*6) My heart and Mind is not free from evil influence*

The same evil which deceived Adam and Eve, who tried to tempt Jesus, but could not succeed, is still very active to enter into our hearts and minds. 

Unless we give the permission the evil is unable to enter into our hearts and minds 

So it looks for all the time and in all the situations to take control of our hearts and minds  

*7) Once it starts working through our heart and mind, it takes dangerous turn*

The evil which starts working through the hearts and minds of human being takes most deadliest turn which destroys not only the person but also effects the others too 

So one should be very careful in dealing with evil and never to give our hearts and minds to its evil deeds. 

*8) What about my heart and mind?*

Are they centres of good things - like generosity, kindness, forgiveness

Or are they places where the bad or evil things like hatred, revenge, gossip etc.

Think about it

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*