Today is a feast of joy on which we can give thanks and praise and can rejoice. I know that many people say: “That’s totally out of place, given the circumstances!” But that is precisely why!

People today are perhaps once again a little more aware that the world is under the dominion of evil and that, even if many are often willing and make a lot of effort, they cannot free themselves from this vile power of evil. This power is always present and reveals itself in cruel ways.

But we know that Jesus Christ has conquered evil. Jesus Christ is working to deliver human beings from this power of evil once and for all. He wants to totally abolish evil and no one can stop Him.

If we rejoice today, it does not mean that we do not care about the great hardship that many people are experiencing. On the contrary, we share their suffering and our hearts go out to them. But there is also the comfort and assurance that Christ is at work. He wants to deliver all human beings from evil. That is our joy, that is our confidence. It is our wish and longing that many more people, both here on earth and in the hereafter, can obtain salvation as soon as possible.

From a divine service by the Chief Apostle

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