11th Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 18th 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.
