Monday June 13, 2022
Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church
(click here to listen to or read today’s scriptures)
Once I was lost, but now am found
King Ahab said to his neighbor Naboth, “Give me your vineyard to be my vegetable garden, and I will give you a better vineyard in exchange.” Naboth said to the king, “The Lord forbid that I should give you my ancestral heritage.” The king went home disturbed and angry at Naboth’s answer.
I think I spoke harshly and without thinking. Although it’s true … I should not disrespect the vineyard of my father, and his father before him.
And another thing, O King, you have forsaken our God Yahweh and followed your wife Jezebel into a foreign, sinful religious place, and I don’t want to give up my ancestral heritage in that way either, as you have. I will not be seduced by anyone other than God!
Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name. She told the elders to get two scoundrels to face Naboth and accuse him of having cursed God and king. Then take him out of the city and stone him to death.
Oh, here they come. The soldiers with their spears up to my door, and they will take me away. Oh, God, I am afraid. I am shivering with fright.
O Lord, attend to my sighing. Hearken to my groaning. Heed my call for help. At dawn, I bring my plea expectantly to you!
What have I done to deserve this, oh God? I always thought Ahab was a good enough kind of guy. I’m sure it’s his wife that is behind this persecution. I should have just given them the vineyard, as a token of my esteem, and kept my nose out of trouble.
His fellow citizens proclaimed a fast and placed Naboth at the head of the people. He was wrongfully accused and convicted and stoned to death.
I can still watch and see, from my vantage point in the world after life. Sometimes I struggle with bitterness and desire for revenge, but why? Let those foolish jealous selfish idol worshippers fight it out among themselves. Uh-oh. I sound pretty self-righteous and ugly myself, don’t I?
There’s a new preacher in town. I think I’ll head over to the heavenly square and listen to him this afternoon. Maybe I’ll learn something. I have plenty of time. These days, I don’t have a lot to do.
Jesus said, You have heard it said, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say, offer no resistance to one who is evil. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two.
Everyone loves this new preacher. I think Elijah needs to hear him too. He doesn’t live far from here. Tomorrow morning I’ll track down Elijah and tell him about Mr. Jesus.
(1 Kings 21, Psalm 5, Psalm 119, Matthew 5)
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
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