September 1, 1939. It’s a poem by W. H. Auden. He wrote it describing the day that Poland was invaded, the clearest beginning of World War II.
After describing the feeling of watching evaporate the hope that somehow war would be averted, that somehow evil could be appeased, Auden ends with a glimmer of hope:
Defenseless under the night our world in stupor lies; yet, dotted everywhere, ironic points of light flash out wherever the Just exchange their messages: May I, composed like them of Eros and of dust, beleaguered by the same negation and despair, show an affirming flame.
A little flash. Only words, and yet words that push back darkness bit by bit.
There is, in fact, evil. The passionate work of Hitler points to that. We can, I suppose, argue that he was misguided or that he was dealing with a chemical imbalance or that he was working with a worldview that, though different than mine, still has validity and is worth being considered.
Some people though that at the time. They didn’t consider the possibility that he might actually be evil.
The people who died September 1 and in the following six years would argue differently. Or, more accurately, their emaciated bodies would.
I know. This is not what we like to read first thing in the morning with our coffee or tea and muffin. I understand. I regularly forget the existence of evil. I forget that last week more than sixty people passing through Mexico on their way up here were murdered because I am not doing everything I could to help people stop self-medicating with the drugs the murderers are selling.
When I forget that evil drains blood from real people, Jesus saying “I am…the life” becomes abstract. But He wasn’t about to die as a metaphor.
300 words a day 
Frank Reed
Jon –
Evil is very real and until we recognize it for what it truly is, it will win.
I know this confuses many because they ask “Why doesn’t God just wipe it out?”. That’s a reasonable question but the existence of evil is necessary to understand good and the redemptive plan of God through Christ. Besides, I take great solace in Isaiah 55:6-9 around this whole concept. There is hope for everyone.
Evil never has to triumph but often our impact on it is limited. However, by first recognizing its existence we are well on our way to getting into the fray and having some influence.
Thanks as always for your thoughts.
Peace.
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Rich Dixon
Fascinating how Jesus said things in a way that inspired conviction but not a sense of guilt. I guess that’s how you treat friends. Go figure.
Personally, I’m still stuck on the ladder.
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Joseph Ruiz
Sobering thought. Interesting how Jesus invites us into a problem like 5,000 people and not enough food to do what we can by giving our all perhaps a few fish and some bread and watch Him work. He is the great multiplier.
Interesting part for me is how selfish and possessive I can be guarding my fish and bread while 60 people and countless others perish. Like Rich says not guilt or condemnation but a reminder to do what we can and allow the great multiplier to do His work.
Thanks Jon
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Kimberly Spear
“Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.” letting Him out to shine, that is the daily quest.
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