Msgr. Pope on Evil Being Overcome by the Light of Christ

"It’s one of the stranger dialogues that occurs in the Gospel. We read it last week in daily Mass and it is difficult not to rejoice in Jesus' aplomb.

"Some Pharisees, likely disingenuous in their motives, approach Jesus and warn Him to leave immediately: Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you. Jesus, more likely speaking to them than to Herod, says the following: 

"Go and tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose' (Lk 13:32).

"Surely Jesus has more in mind than the next three days on the calendar! He's obviously referring to the Paschal mystery: His passion, death, and resurrection. Jesus is saying, in effect, that anyone who would threaten to kill Him is only undermining his own power while facilitating the fulfillment of Jesus' purpose."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on how evil, no matter how powerful it may seem, "will ultimately self-destruct and be overcome by the light" of Christ.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: A Word of Encouragement in One of Jesus' Stranger Sayings (30 OCT 19)