“Why Do You Harbour Evil Thoughts?”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus heals a paralytic and forgives his sins. While He was doing this good work, the scribes accused Him of blasphemy. Seeing their reaction, Jesus asks a penetrating question: “Why do you harbour evil thoughts?”
Evil thoughts are dangerous. As St. James reminds us, evil desires give birth to sinful actions, and when sin is fully grown, it brings forth death (James 1:15). Evil thoughts not only destroy the person who nurtures them but also harm those who become their victims.
Evil actions do not happen suddenly. They begin in the mind. If left unchecked, they take root in the heart and eventually come out in our words and actions. That is why it is essential to guard our minds and hearts.
Common causes of evil thoughts include jealousy, greed for money and wealth, selfish interests, desire for power, authority, position, and bodily pleasures. Unless we control our thoughts and desires, these can gradually lead us away from God and destroy our relationships.
Today, Jesus invites us to examine our hearts and minds. Let us ask the Lord for the grace to replace evil thoughts with thoughts of love, compassion, and goodness.
Bro. Akhilesh Lucian
Trivandrum Archdiocese