For GOD delights not in wickedness, and the arrogant may not stand in GOD’s sight, for GOD hates all evil and the bloodthirsty actions and the deceitful deeds the LORD abhors (See Psalm 5: 4ff)
The evil that is in the world can truly challenge us. We have a choice to make. Our actions and decisions could be honorable or dishonorable. If we act in the way of Ahaz and Jezebel our actions are dishonorable. But if we follow in the way of Naboth and Jesus we act honorably.
In the first reading today, we understand the evil of greed. Greed leads to death, anguish, hatred, jealousy, fear, etc. The tenth commandment warn us about the vice of greed when it says that we should not take what does not belong to another person by force. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.” Greed is evil. Greed leads to death, as we see in today’s first reading passage. The wicked Queen Jezebel plots Naboth’s death in order to get the vineyard from Naboth. Naboth had a right to his land and ended up losing not only the land, but his life because of the wickedness of Jezebel. We still see such actions in our society today. The wicked will resort to all sorts of evil handedness in order to get their way.
The only way that is honorable is the way of Jesus, following Jesus’ advice in the Gospel. Jesus advice his disciples not to fight but to give, not only what is asked of them, but to give even more than what is being asked of them. Jesus advises us to give above and beyond what is demanded – turn the other cheek, give the cloak besides the tunic, walk two miles instead of one
Today, we live in a world where many feel senses of entitlement. Some seek to take more than what they are entitled to have. They covet people’s possessions. They will do almost anything, even murder, to get what we have.
Evil can win battles over Good people. Yet the ultimate victory is GOD’s. May we never forget that the Lord listens to cry of the poor.
Saint Paul puts it nicely “Bless your persecutors; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same attitude toward all. Put away ambitious thoughts and associate with those who are lowly.” (Romans 12:14-16a)
Have a wonderful Week
