There would be Diminution

Probably the question most common to all ages is the question of evil. I have my own theories, about the power of free will and its affects on others; God's ability to bring good from it all. So I was intrigued when I read Anscar Vonier's words It is a certain truth that if God in his providence exterminated every evil deed at once, killed every evil-doer, the final sum of goodness would be less. We have our Lord's own words for it; there would be diminution.

Vonier goes on to explain how evil brings out greater faith, courage, and fortitude among believers. He reminds us that we are a community; we are bound up with one another, we affect one another, not just evil, but good. But there is the fact--an absolute certainty, goodness inevitbly produces goodness; it is unconquerable, it cannot be stifled, it has greater ramifications than evil can ever have...

Perhaps our problems lies in concentrating too much on the question of evil, and not enough on the power of goodness. When Jesus came, the light meant a great deal because people had lived so long in darkness. Resurrection means so much because Jesus died.  Hope holds power because of the heaviness of despair. The list goes on.

Now is a good time to renew our faith in our own goodness. We who believe need to have greater confidence of God's power in our lives. If we want others to believe no darkness can keep away the light, we must start with our own, and let the light shine forth.