# God's Answer to Evil – Monday of Holy Week
*2017-04-10*

> Bill Young reflects on the mystery of evil and suffering through the Passion of Christ, reading Pope Francis’s reflections and praying for those afflicted by violence around the world.

## Opening and Liturgical Context

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today is Monday of Holy Week, April 10, 2017, and we are counting down to Easter, the celebration of our Lord’s Resurrection. We are reading from Pope Francis’s *Lenten Reflections*, today’s entry titled “God’s Answer to Evil.”

## Consecration to Mary and Upcoming Marian Feasts

Earlier this year I began the 33‑day “Morning Glory” devotion, a consecration to Jesus through Mary. We celebrated the first day bilingually in English and Spanish, though the internet signal prevented us from recording it. Since today is April 10, we also renew our consecration to Mary in preparation for the centenary of Our Lady of Fatima on May 13. A special Mass will be celebrated at St. David’s on Saturday at 10 a.m.; anyone who wishes to attend is welcome.

For those who want the devotional booklet, it is available online at shopmercy.org or by calling 1‑800‑462‑7424.

## Reading: God’s Answer to Evil

Our Scripture reading is Isaiah 53:5: “He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his bruises we are healed.” Pope Francis reminds us that Jesus endured the worst form of death—reserved for slaves and criminals—to take upon Himself all the evil, suffering, and death of humanity. When we confront the horror of suffering, especially the innocent, we are wounded in our hearts. Yet Christ’s humility offers the divine answer to the mystery of evil: He does not deny our pain but embraces it, opening the way to hope.

## Praying for a World in Pain

We cannot become numb to the constant news of violence: school shootings in the United States, attacks in London, Sweden, Egypt, and elsewhere. We lift up prayers for all those places and for every victim of senseless evil. As Pope Francis says, we must not deny our failures but turn to the hope found in Christ’s sacrifice.

## Daily Prayer and Closing

Let us pray the daily prayer from Isaiah 42:1: “Look with favor on your servant, Lord; hold me in the palm of your hand.” May God bless us and keep us steadfast in prayer for all who suffer.

We remember that Holy Week is not about chocolate or bunnies but about the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus. Good Friday reminds us of the horror of the Cross; Easter celebrates the triumph over that evil. May we carry this hope into the coming days.

*In the midst of relentless evil, Christ’s willing sacrifice remains God’s answer, offering us hope and healing.*