Jeremiah 14:17-22 / Matthew 13:36-43
A lot of questions have been asked about this age-old problem of evil in the world, as well as the origin of evil.
The Latin term for this phrase "origin of evil" is MYSTERIUM INIQUITATIS.
When translated into English it is "the mystery of iniquity".
Indeed, sin and evil is so much of a mystery.
The letter to the Romans 7:19 puts this mystery in a life experience when it says - For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.
So as much as sin and evil is mysterious, yet the reality and the fact is clear.
Sin and evil is merely a manifestation of the lack of goodness, whether it is around us or in us.
In the 1st reading, we hear of how God feels about the sinful and evil situation of mankind, with these words: Tears flood my eyes night and day unceasingly.
God's love for us was so deep that He sent His only Son so that He can restore our love and goodness.
But we have to make the decision to pick up the weeds of our sin and burn them in the fire of God's love.
With Jesus, we can be certain that love and goodness will triumph in the end.
In our fight against sin and evil, whether within or without, let us put our confidence in God as we cry out - O our God, you are our hope (Jer 14:22)