Daily Readings - Mon Jun 13 2022
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 values and actions. The first reading from 1 Kings 21:1-16 tells the story of Ahab, who desires Naboth's vineyard. When Naboth refuses to sell, Ahab's wife, Jezebel, orchestrates Naboth's death through false accusations, allowing Ahab to seize the land. This story highlights the dangers of greed, abuse of power, and the consequences of injustice.
The Gospel reading from Matthew 5:38-42 presents a contrasting message. Jesus teaches about non-resistance to evil, encouraging his followers to turn the other cheek and be generous. This teaching challenges the traditional "eye for an eye" mentality, promoting a higher moral standard of love and forgiveness.
These readings relate by presenting two approaches to conflict and desire. The first reading illustrates the destructive path of greed and power, while the Gospel offers a transformative approach of humility and kindness. Together, they invite us to consider how we handle our desires and conflicts in daily life.
In our own lives, we face choices between pursuing our interests at the expense of others or embracing patience and generosity. The moral lesson here is the importance of choosing humility and justice over greed and power. Let us strive to live by Jesus' teachings, fostering a spirit of love and forgiveness in our interactions, thereby creating a more just and compassionate world.