Why Does God Allow Wicked People to Succeed?

Saturday, 20 July 2024. Readings: Micah 2:1-5, Ps.10:1-4,7-8,14, Matthew 12:14-21

“The Pharisees went out and took counsel against him, how to destroy him. Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there.” (Matthew 12:14-15)

Today’s first reading from the prophet Micah addresses the phenomenon of wickedness and the ways of the wicked in society. Micah wrote these words hundreds of years ago, but we can still relate to them today because our society does not lack wicked people. Meanwhile, in today’s Gospel passage, Matthew tells us that the Pharisees, in the spirit of wickedness, went out to discuss and plan Jesus’ death. They saw all the good Jesus was doing, and they listened to His beautiful sermons, yet they wanted Him dead.

- Who is a wicked person? How do I know if I am wicked?
1. Negative Thoughts. Micah says: “Alas for those who devise wickedness and evil deeds on their beds!” (Micah 2:1a). You are a wicked person if you wish evil for or plan the destruction and downfall of others. Jesus taught that thinking evil against someone is equivalent to killing the person: “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I tell you that you will be liable to judgment if you are angry with a brother or sister (think bad thoughts against others).” (Matthew 5:21-22).

2. Use of Power. Do you use your office (position, authority) against others? For instance, someone offends you, and the next thing, you contact your friend in the Army to arrange for soldiers to beat up your offender. “When the morning dawns, they perform it because it is in their power.” (Micah 2:1b). Another characteristic of wicked people is arrogance; they are so power-drunk that they are not scared of anybody. They are not even scared of God. As today’s Psalm says: “For the wicked boast of the desires of their heart, those greedy for gain curse and renounce the Lord. In the pride of their countenance, the wicked say, ‘God will not seek it out’; all their thoughts are, ‘There is no God.’” (Psalm 10:3-4).

3. Oppression of the Weak. Micah continues: “They covet fields, and seize them; houses, and take them away; they oppress householder and house, people and their inheritance.” (Micah 2:3). Today’s Psalm adds: “His mouth is full of cursing, guile, oppression; under his tongue are deceit and evil. He sits in ambush in the villages; in hidden places, he murders the innocent.” (Psalm 10:7-8). Do you forcefully take what is not yours because the owner cannot challenge you? Do you get people to work for you without paying them?

- Why Does God Allow Wicked People to Succeed? Truly, this is a very troubling question. Today’s responsorial Psalm asks: “O Lord, why do you stand afar off and hide in times of distress?” Let us consider the answers provided by today’s readings:

1. To give us time to repent. Regardless of the magnitude of our sins, God never stops loving us; He never stops believing in our inherent goodness. Like the Father in the story of the Prodigal Son, God never gets tired of waiting for our return. If God were to treat us according to our wickedness, none of us would still be alive. (cf. Psalm 103:10). It is easy to point fingers at others for wickedness. However, the truth is that we would do worse things if we were in their shoes. Before you ask God to kill anyone you consider wicked, why not ask: “Have I killed my wickedness?” Micah warns that God will surprise us with severe punishment if we fail to repent. “I am devising against this family an evil from which you cannot remove your necks… for it will be an evil time. On that day they shall take up a taunt song against you, and wail with bitter lamentation” (Micah 2: 3-4)

2. To serve as chastisement for His children. A few days ago, we read from the book of Isaiah the passage where God describes Assyria as “the rod of his anger.” (Isaiah 10:5). The book of Hebrews says: “My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when he punishes you; for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom he accepts. What child is there whom a parent does not discipline? If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children.” (Hebrews 12:5-8)

3. To Bring His Plans to Reality. If the Pharisees loved Jesus, would He have fulfilled His mission to die for humanity? Would He have fulfilled all the prophecies about Him? Someone once said: “Thank God for your enemies because, without them, you would never have gotten this far today.” God know how to write straight on crooked lines. Jesus knew they were planning to kill him, but instead of fighting back, he withdrew. Jesus knew that something good would come out of His death.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, save us from the hands of the wicked and give us the grace never to become sources of pain to others. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saturday of week 15 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Micah 2:1-5, Ps.10:1-4,7-8,14, Matthew 12:14-21).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu