Human life is full of contradictions. Why are certain people born rich and the others starve to death? Why do people who want to be loved find insensitive hearts to receive them while others who are loved really don’t care about the love they receive? The litany of the “why” questions can go on and on. Perhaps the greatest contradiction that exists in human nature is the following: how is it that the human person who is capable of doing good chooses to do the wrong thing instead?
Christian theology teaches that the human being is a sinner and justified at the same time. Although s/he is justified by Christ’s grace, however s/he remains easy prey to what is evil and destructive in itself. This spiritual existential contradiction weighs heavily on the consciences of those who really want to take their spiritual and human life seriously. In their struggle against evil, they cannot help but admit that no matter how much they try, they find that, in some way or another, they might get it wrong somewhere along the line.
My frequent reflection on my priestly ministry always informs me that it is essential to be aware of where the contradiction lies. God became man in Jesus Christ, who thus becomes “the central point of reference for an understanding of the enigma of human existence, the created world and God himself”(Fides et Ratio, 80). According to Jesus, the expert of humanity, evil is not something that is found outside the human person. On the contrary. Evil lies deep-seated within the heart of the human person. “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a man” (Mt 15,18-20).
The Bible understands that the human heart can solely be healed from its lingering wounds, except by the powerful therapeutic intervention of God. Only the Lord’s saving initiative can restore a troubled heart. Recognising God’s loving mercy for the sinner, the psalmist cries out to Him: “relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distresses” (Ps 25,17). The psalmist knows that her/his heart can easily be corrupted by evil. Deceit is always ready to crush her/his joy and hope. That is why s/he insists with the Lord to test every motivation s/he might have, so that s/he can walk with God into the way of peace. “Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind” (Ps 26,2).
No matter how difficult it is to follow Christ in life, grace has the last word on our human weakness. The power of good not only limits evil but also is capable of crushing it to pieces. This triumphant victory of the perpetual sovereignty of good over the devastating resistance of evil is extraordinarily proclaimed by Saint Paul in his famous letter to the Romans, “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Rom 5,20).
Grace masters, subdues and transforms sin into grace itself provided that the human person freely wants to reconcile herself/ himself with God. If a contrite heart answers to God’s call for conversion with great faith and fervour: “Thy face, Lord, do I seek” (Ps 27, 8), can sin ever separate it from the love of Christ? If that person truly trusts the Lord, s/he will not merely experience his redemptive assistance but also His eternal joy and peace. It is fit therefore that that person rightfully acknowledges God’s immense love for her/him by giving Him thanks.
Scripture portrays God’s Word “as lamp to (one’s) feet and a light to (one’s) path” (Ps 119, 105). A journey necessarily entails light so that the traveller can safely arrive at her/his desired destination. Once again Saint Paul provides us the light that will accompany us on our earthly pilgrimage to the Father’s house: “we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5, 20).
Are we ready to commit ourselves to follow the light of reconciliation with God and one another in order to dispel and purify any contradictory attitudes that stem from evil from our journey to the heavenly Jerusalem?
Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap
San Gwann