Let good prevail February 2, 2023By Father Joseph Breighner Catholic Review Filed Under: Commentary, Wit & Wisdom It saddens me that Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to wage a cruel and unjustified war against the innocent people of Ukraine. Putin can best be described as a psychopath, someone who feels no guilt about the death and misery he inflicts on others. After Putin promised a 36-hour ceasefire for the Orthodox Christmas in January, Russian forces attacked parts of Eastern Ukraine soon after the ceasefire started. The Russian leader couldn’t even keep his own ceasefire for a few hours. Fortunately the United States and its allies continue to provide weapons, food and logistical support to the people of Ukraine. Our prayer is that good will prevail over the evil of Putin. Evil always tests goodness. Even Jesus had to face the three temptations of Satan at the beginning of his public ministry. Jesus overcame those temptations. Evil has the power of darkness. Goodness has the power of light. The night can seem long and cold, but morning always comes. The darkness is scattered by the light. Light always prevails. Goodness will ultimately prevail. When Jesus hung dead on the cross, it looked like death had won. When his body was placed in the tomb and the tomb sealed with a large rock, it seemed to seal the victory for death. Yet, in three days, on Sunday morning, the rock was rolled away, and Jesus emerged, alive and triumphant. The victory of Jesus was not an easy one. It cost him his earthly life. But when he rose from the dead, his victory was eternal. Jesus would never die again. In their time, Hitler and Stalin caused great misery. But they are gone now. The forces of good still remain. Putin will be gone one day as well. But goodness, love and justice will remain. Evil is limited. God lasts forever Read More Commentary Rome and the Church in the U.S. Question Corner: When can Catholics sing the Advent hymn ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel?’ A steady light: Pope Leo XIV’s top five moments of 2025 Theologian explores modern society’s manipulation of body and identity Encountering Christ in neighbors facing detention, deportation and loss Corridors of gratitude Copyright © 2023 Catholic Review Media Print
