The existence of wickedness and evil in the world is a reality that we cannot deny.
And we also cannot deny that there are people who are just so obsessed with committing wickedness and evil.
The first reading gives us a glimpse of what is in the mind of those evil and wicked people.
They lie in bed planning mischief, seizing fields that they covet, they take over houses as well, owner and house they confiscate together, taking both man and inheritance.
But wickedness and evil do not have a free hand and to do whatever and whenever.
Because the Lord says this: Woe to those who plot evil.
Yes, the Lord restrains those who are wicked and evil because He protects the good and the upright.
In the gospel, it was the Pharisees, of all people, who began to plot against Jesus, discussing how to destroy Him.
But Jesus did not confront them or retaliate against them.
The prophet Isaiah says this of Jesus: He will not break the crushed reed, nor put out the smouldering wick.
In the face of wickedness and evil, let us put our trust in Jesus.
He will lead the truth to victory, because in the end love and truth will prevail.