Reading Journal 3 (GB 2)

 One realizes that good can result from evil when he reads Summa of the Summa by Aquinas and Purgatory by Dante. Eventually, God brings everything to good despite man’s sinful actions. Aquinas states, “This is part of the infinite goodness of God, that He should allow evil to exist, and out of it produce good” (ST, 1. Q2. A3. ad.1). Destruction always follows evil intent, but God can use this destruction to refine an individual. Dante reveals,

This man was so disposed in his new life / that every natural habit, turned to good, / should have been put to wonderous proof in him, // But when bad seed is sown in a rich field / or when earth full of vigor lies untilled, / the thornier and more harmful its yield. (30.115-119).

Dante explains that his habits, while not bad in themselves, resulted in harmful effects when he misuses his potential. However, despite his previously sinful actions, God slowly leads Dante back to Him as Dante learns true humility and recognizes the mistakes of his past.