Tuesday of the 11th week in ordinary time
1 Kings 21: 17-29 Mathew 5: 43-48
Theme: A God of justice
In our 1st reading of today, we see the unfolding of the after effect of the action of Ahab and Jezebel in their quest to possess the vineyard of Naboth. Their action made God angry, and he sent the prophet Elijah to deliver his message to them. The judgement of God upon them is going to be very disastrous, even worse than their evil plans to eliminate Naboth. My brothers and sisters in Christ, we must be very careful about the type of things we do, especially when we are in position of authority. Ahab was a king and felt nobody will challenge what he did with his wife Jezebel to Naboth. He forgot that there is God, who has power over all humans that he created. He is the judge and has the final say in every event of our life.
Dearly beloved in Christ, let us learn to be contented with the things God has given us and worry less about what he has given to others. We must always remember that no matter how we cover it, evil is bad and should not be found in our lives as children of God. Let us be considerate in our dealings with other people and be charitable in our actions.
Interestingly, in today’s 1st reading we also see the compassionate side of God. The sincere repentance of Ahab attracted the mercy of God, and he delayed the punishment he had planned to carry out. This singular action of God says a lot about the God we worship; his desire is not to destroy us but to give us life. No matter the sins we may have committed, let us be repentant sincerely and see how God will restore us to his glory as his children. This is not encouraging sin or evil in any way, but rather giving hope to those who already feel they are finished, because of their past way of life. God does not change; he is the same yesterday, today and for ever. Sincere repentance is what we need as we seek the face of God.
May almighty God bless his words in our hearts, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.