Daily Readings - Mon Jun 18 2018
1 Kings
1Some time later there was an incident involving a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. The vineyard was in Jezreel, close to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.2Ahab said to Naboth, "Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth."3But Naboth replied, "The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers."4So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, "I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers." He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat.5His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, "Why are you so sullen? Why won't you eat?"6He answered her, "Because I said to Naboth the Jezreelite, 'Sell me your vineyard; or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard in its place.' But he said, 'I will not give you my vineyard.'"7Jezebel his wife said, "Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I'll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite."8So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth's city with him.9In those letters she wrote: "Proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people.10But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify that he has cursed both God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death."11So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth's city did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them.12They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent place among the people.13Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, "Naboth has cursed both God and the king." So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death.14Then they sent word to Jezebel: "Naboth has been stoned and is dead."15As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, "Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead."16When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of Naboth's vineyard.
Matthew
38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on our responses to injustice and evil. The first reading from 1 Kings tells the story of Ahab's desire for Naboth's vineyard and Jezebel's cunning plan to seize it through deceit and violence. This narrative highlights the consequences of allowing desire and power to lead us down a path of manipulation and harm. Conversely, the Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus teaching on non-retaliation and love for one's enemies, offering a radical alternative to the cycles of vengeance and violence.
The context of these readings sets the stage for their messages. In 1 Kings, Ahab's kingdom is marked by corruption and abuse of power, illustrating the destructive nature of unchecked ambition. In Matthew, Jesus delivers this teaching as part of the Sermon on the Mount, where He challenges His followers to embrace a higher moral standard—one that transcends the law of retribution and instead advocates for mercy and compassion.
These readings relate through their exploration of how we respond to evil. While Ahab and Jezebel resort to deceit and force, Jesus teaches a way of non-violence and love. This contrast invites us to consider our own responses to injustices. In our daily lives, we often face situations where we must choose between reacting with anger or responding with patience and kindness. The readings encourage us to opt for the latter, trusting in God's justice rather than our own strength.
Applying these teachings to our lives, we are reminded that our responses to adversity should reflect the values of the Kingdom of God. Whether facing minor slights or significant injustices, we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This approach not only transforms our relationships but also aligns our hearts with God's will.
Ultimately, the moral lesson is clear: we are to choose the path of love and non-retaliation. By doing so, we trust in God's providence and justice, rather than resorting to manipulation or violence. This way of living is not only transformative for us but also serves as a witness to the redemptive power of love in a world often marked by conflict and division.