Daily Catholic Mass Readings for June 17, 2024
First Reading: 1 Kings 21.1-16
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.
Psalm 5
1Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing.2Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.3In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.4You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell.5The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong.6You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.7But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.8Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies- make straight your way before me.9Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit.10Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.11But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.12For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Gospel: Matthew 5.38-42
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 are presented with two contrasting narratives that invite us to reflect on our responses to conflict and injustice. The First Reading from 1 Kings recounts the story of King Ahab's desire for Naboth's vineyard. When Naboth refuses to sell, Ahab's wife, Jezebel, orchestrates Naboth's unjust death through false accusations and manipulation. This tale reveals the dangers of desire, manipulation, and the abuse of power, highlighting the consequences of choosing deceit and violence over justice and integrity.
In contrast, the Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus teaching a radical approach to conflict. He instructs His followers to go beyond the law of retaliation, advocating for non-resistance and love. Jesus calls us to respond to evil with kindness, offering the other cheek, giving generously, and loving our enemies. This teaching challenges us to move beyond human instincts of revenge and instead embrace a divine way of love and humility.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to challenges in our lives. Do we resort to anger or deceit, or do we choose forgiveness and love? In our daily interactions, when faced with injustice or conflict, we are called to emulate Christ's example, trusting in God's justice and responding with grace. Let us seek to transform our own hearts and the world around us by choosing the path of love and humility, as taught by our Lord.