14/06/2026
Year II. Monday of Week 11 in Ordinary Time. 1 Kings 21:1-16
King Ahab asked Naboth to exchange his vineyard which adjoined the king’s property for another one or, alternatively, to be given its value in money. Naboth refused because the land was his family’s heritage. Ahab went into a sullen depression and refused even to eat.
Jezebel, the ruthless queen, was determined to satisfy the king’s desire, and she sent off letters in the king’s name to the nobles and the leaders of the people, ordering them to proclaim a fast and to put Naboth on trial, accusing him of cursing God and the king, both charges carrying the punishment of death by stoning.
They were told to produce two witnesses – as required by law – to sustain the charges. These men gave false testimony to satisfy the legality of the proceedings. Ultimately, the possessions of those condemned to death would go to the king – which was the purpose of the whole scheme.
There was probably a calamity at the time, such as a drought or famine, which gave Jezebel the excuse to accuse Naboth as the culprit. She gave the impression she was doing it for the people, to avert a disaster by removing the person whose sin had brought about God’s judgement on them.
The plan was cunningly executed and at the end, Naboth was killed, and Ahab went down to Naboth’s vineyard to take possession of it.
In many parts of the world, there is still a great deal of corruption and injustice at various levels of public and private life. The sin of greed and violence is still a constant threat to innocent lives. Lord, have mercy, and save the oppressed！
APPLICATION
How is greed manifested in your life’s experiences?
GOLDEN VERSE
No verse selected.
Matthew 5: 38-42
Jesus remarked that “if your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.” He mentioned that in the past it was said, “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” And Jesus said to them, “Offer the wicked man no resistance.” The old saying can be found in Dt 19:21. It was a law that meant to reduce unrestrained revengeful action to proportionate revenge. Also, it was not meant to encourage personal vengeance, but was meant to be a guideline for the judge to administer appropriate justice.
When the conflicting parties are vindictive and calculative, they are preoccupied with what the fair and equitable amount of compensation should be, and they tend never to be satisfied with the assessment, even if the amount is recommended by a supposing impartial judge. Jesus invited his disciples to go beyond even the measured revenge. He advised that the best way to deal with vengeful feelings is to let go and not to seek retaliation.
Jesus also said, “If anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other cheek as well.” A right-hand man strikes his opponent on the right cheek by using the back of his hand. Such an action is not only hurting physically, it is also an insulting gesture. Jesus advised that if they started to exchange insults one for another, the animosity would persist. The best response is to absorb the slap, not to take it as an insult, and only then the enmity could be overcome.
Jesus continued, “If a man would have your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.” The tunic referred to a man’s inner garment which a person had more than one piece, while the cloak referred to the outer garment which most people had only one. The law stipulated that a pawned cloak should be restored to him before sunset, so that he had it to cover when he went to sleep. (Ex 22:26-17)
There are those who cannot lose and must always fight to the legal death for their rights. The words of Jesus advised his listeners not to be demanding and preoccupied with so called rights. It is good for everyone that we learn to let go and spare others for their wrongs.
Jesus continued, “If anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him.” In ancient days, the authority had the right to conscript people to perform work such as carrying messages, feeding horses, repairing bridges, etc. (Recall Simon of Cyrene being compelled to carry the cross of Jesus). These were works being forced upon and not voluntarily. Jesus advised that instead of feeling agitated and upset for the forced labour, treat it as public service.
APPLICATIONS
Are there instances when you feel your rights being violated and how did you respond? How would you react differently now?
GOLDEN VERSE
Matthew 5:41 If anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him.
