In the face of tragic violence around the world, the Polish pontiff had an unwavering hope that we can resist evil with good.
It's tempting to give in to despair when we see acts of horrific violence spread throughout the world, even into our own backyard.
We can also be tempted to try and fight violence with more violence, thinking that all we need to do is exterminate all those we think are capable of doing evil.
Yet, the Christian view is not to despair, nor fight evil with violence, but to have hope and trust in God's goodness.
Evil will not prevail
St. John Paul II spoke about this topic in a message for the World Day for Peace in 2005:
Based on the certainty that evil will not prevail, Christians nourish an invincible hope which sustains their efforts to promote justice and peace. Despite the personal and social sins which mark all human activity, hope constantly gives new impulse to the commitment to justice and peace, as well as firm confidence in the possibility of building a better world.
He did not believe this was a far-fetched fantasy, but something that is real. Evil may seem to be invincible, but with the grace of God, all of us can become agents of good:
Faced with the many tragic situations present in the world, Christians confess with humble trust that God alone can enable individuals and peoples to overcome evil and achieve good. By his death and resurrection, Christ has redeemed us and ransomed us "with a price" (1 Cor 6:20; 7:23), gaining salvation for all. With his help, everyone can defeat evil with good.
St. John Paul II reiterates that we can't defeat evil with evil, but only with good.
Violence can be reduced in this world when people respond to God's grace and take the "narrow road," choosing to love instead of hate.
Above all, we should also remember that evil will not have the last say in this world. When this earth has reached its course, it will give way to a new Heavens and a new Earth, where violence will be no more.
It may be difficult to see, but we need to have hope that God is in control and is preparing a lasting peace that will endure for all eternity.
