This weekend’s readings are powerful especially in light of this week’s attacks in Boston. In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles we hear: “I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.” The early Christians—and we who keep and follow the faith—will be an instrument of salvation and peace to the ends of the earth. Great news! In that short but powerful phrase echoes Christ’s words to Peter, the rock upon which He would build His Church, that: the gates of the netherworld (evil) shall not prevail against her.

Today, when it seems that evil is outweighing good, it is comforting to reflect on the words of Sacred Scripture that good will triumph over evil, that we will stand firm on that rock which is the God-given foundation of His Church. But even the early disciples who were filled with the Holy Spirit and with joy were not immune to the tragedies and evil of their world. For evil never gives up! It continues its mission to corrupt and destroy—individuals and societies—and it takes joins itself with accomplices known as “willingness” and “indifference.” But what fights evil is forgiveness. Forgiveness stands up to “willingness” and says “No – I will not let you take me into your wicked ways.” It also stands up to “indifference” and says “Why do you allow evil to move into your heart silently and take up residence like a squatter, handing over your rights?” In our responsorial psalm we hear that that we are God’s people and He knows us and we hear His voice; telling us that His righteousness is in our very being.

In the second reading from Revelation we hear that there is a great multitude of every nation and every people that now stands in the presence of God. That should give us encouragement to continue in the righteous way of living. And in today’s very brief but powerful Gospel of John we hear that “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” Let us remember that in Christ we see the Father, they are “Consubstantial,” and in professing our faith in Him, we are offered Eternal Life…no matter what the world seems to hand us, in the End all things will be made anew according to His plan.