Breaking the Word

11^th Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 18^th June 2024 – 1 Kgs 21,17-29; Mt 5,43-48

Quick Withdrawal

In the first reading, Elijah confronts King Ahab about his sinful actions and describes the costly price he needs to pay for the murder of Naboth. Ahab had not directly killed Naboth, but he had cooperated fully in the murder and theft planned by his wife, and as king, the ultimate responsibility was with him. In addition to this, Ahab was also responsible for all kinds of scandals connected with practices of idolatry, under the pernicious influence of his wife. After hearing Elijah’s condemnation, Ahab deeply repents of what he has done to both Naboth and Israelites. He then atones quickly, rends his garments, puts on sackcloth and fasts and finally humbles himself before the Lord. Because of this, the punishments against his family were postponed until after his death. He was killed in the battle at Ramoth Gilead and after his body was brought to Samaria, dogs licked the blood that was being washed from his chariot. His son Joram was killed and the body was thrown into Naboth’s field, just as Elijah had foretold. We find two things evident from this episode. First, our wrongdoings carry with them unavoidable punishments, built into the very nature of evil actions. Second, no matter how serious our faults, God’s compassion and forgiveness awaits those who genuinely repent and change their ways.

11^th Week in Ord. Time, Monday – 17^th June 2024 – 1 Kgs 21,1-16; Mt 5,38-42

Costly Price for Injustice

The first reading tells a story about the grave injustice done by king Ahab and Queen Jezebel in order to obtain Naboth’s beloved vineyard. Ahab offers to either buy the vineyard from Naboth or given him another in exchange. In spite of his royal position, the king could not confiscate the private lands. Because king’s power in Israel was limited by the law. However, Naboth refused because the ownership of the land was a sacred tradition handed down to him from his ancestors. Naboth’s refusal to dispose of his land was based on the conviction that the land belonged to the Lord and that a perpetual lease had been given to each Israelite family. Ahab went into depression, while Jezebel took it as a challenge to king’s power. And so, she plotted to covet Naboth’s property by accusing him of cursing both God and king, both charges carrying the punishment of death by stoning. The two witnesses gave their false testimony and Naboth was stoned outside Jezreel. With the vineyard now ownerless, Jezebel told her husband to exercise his right and take it over for himself. Naboth had a right to his land and ended up losing not only the land, but his life because of the wickedness of Jezebel. The wicked will resort to all sorts of evil handedness in order to get their way. The just sometimes have to pay a costly price as they hold on to what is rightfully theirs.