"Conversion defeats evil in its root, which is sin". It was said yesterday morning by Benedict XVI, before officiating the Angelus from Saint Peter’s Square. The Pope’s reflection took its cue from the page of Luke’s Gospel, proclaimed yesterday, in which Jesus comments two events: the rebellion of a few Galilees, repressed by Pontius Pilate in bloodshed, and the collapse of a tower in Jerusalem, which killed eighteen people. "According to the mentality of the time explained the Holy Father , people tended to think a catastrophe had fallen on the victims because they had committed some serious sin". Instead Jesus makes them understand that was not the case, as he concluded: "if you do not convert, you will all die in the same way". "This is commented Benedict XVI the point Jesus wants to make clear to His listeners: the need of conversion. He does not propose it in moralistic terms but in realistic terms, as the only appropriate response to events that question the human certainties". Before such catastrophes, "blaming the victims is pointless. The true wisdom is instead to let oneself be questioned by the uncertainty of life and take on a responsible attitude: to repent and improve one’s life". This is "wisdom, this is the most effective response to evil at all levels, at interpersonal, social and international level". (to be continued)
