Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II).
Readings at Mass
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First reading
1 Kings 21:1-16
Naboth has been stoned to death.
Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel next to the palace of Ahab, king of Samaria. Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard to be my vegetable garden, since it is close by, next to my house. I will give you a better vineyard in exchange, or, if you prefer, I will give you its value in money.” Naboth answered him, “The LORD forbid that I should give you my ancestral heritage.” Ahab went home disturbed and angry at the answer Naboth the Jezreelite had made to him: “I will not give you my ancestral heritage.” Lying down on his bed, he turned away from food and would not eat.
His wife Jezebel came to him and said to him, “Why are you so angry that you will not eat?” He answered her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Sell me your vineyard, or, if you prefer, I will give you a vineyard in exchange.’ But he refused to let me have his vineyard.” His wife Jezebel said to him, “A fine ruler over Israel you are indeed! Get up. Eat and be cheerful. I will obtain the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite for you.”
So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and, having sealed them with his seal, sent them to the elders and to the nobles who lived in the same city with Naboth. This is what she wrote in the letters: “Proclaim a fast and set Naboth at the head of the people. Next, get two scoundrels to face him and accuse him of having cursed God and king. Then take him out and stone him to death.” His fellow citizens –the elders and nobles who dwelt in his city – did as Jezebel had ordered them in writing, through the letters she had sent them. They proclaimed a fast and placed Naboth at the head of the people. Two scoundrels came in and confronted him with the accusation, “Naboth has cursed God and king.” And they led him out of the city and stoned him to death. Then they sent the information to Jezebel that Naboth had been stoned to death.
When Jezebel learned that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Go on, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you, because Naboth is not alive, but dead.” On hearing that Naboth was dead, Ahab started off on his way down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.
Commentary
1 Kings 21:1-16 narrates the story of Naboth's vineyard and the greed of King Ahab, influenced by his wife, Jezebel. It highlights themes of covetousness, abuse of power, and injustice.
1. Ahab's Desire:
King Ahab covets Naboth's vineyard but Naboth refuses to sell it, honoring his ancestral heritage.
2. Jezebel's Scheme:
Jezebel, seeing Ahab's disappointment, plots to falsely accuse Naboth of blasphemy, using Ahab's name.
3. False Accusations:
Elders and nobles, following Jezebel's orders, falsely accuse Naboth, leading to his execution.
4. Seizing the Vineyard:
With Naboth dead, Ahab takes possession of the vineyard, showing his moral decay.
5. Moral Lessons:
The story highlights the dangers of covetousness and injustice, showing that unjust actions lead to divine judgment.
1 Kings 21:1-16 warns against greed and injustice, reminding us to uphold righteousness and respect others' rights. It emphasizes that divine justice ultimately prevails.
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Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 5:2-3ab, 4b-6a, 6b-7
Lord, listen to my groaning.
Hearken to my words, O LORD,
attend to my sighing.
Heed my call for help,
my king and my God!
Lord, listen to my groaning.
At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you.
For you, O God, delight not in wickedness;
no evil man remains with you;
the arrogant may not stand in your sight.
Lord, listen to my groaning.
You hate all evildoers.
You destroy all who speak falsehood;
The bloodthirsty and the deceitful
the LORD abhors.
Lord, listen to my groaning.
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Gospel Acclamation
Psalm 119:105
Alleluia, alleluia.
A lamp to my feet is your word,
a light to my path.
Alleluia, alleluia.
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Gospel
Matthew 5:38-42
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.
Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”
Commentary
Matthew 5:38-42, part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, teaches radical love and non-retaliation.
1. Beyond Retaliation:
Jesus challenges the Old Testament principle of "an eye for an eye" by advocating for non-retaliation. Instead of seeking revenge, He calls for a peaceful and forgiving response.
2. Turning the Other Cheek:
Jesus urges us to respond to insults and offenses with humility and grace, refusing to escalate conflicts.
3. Generosity in Lawsuits:
When sued, Jesus encourages giving more than what is demanded, illustrating selflessness and a heart transformed by love.
4. Going the Extra Mile:
Respond to unjust demands willingly and positively, turning oppression into an opportunity to demonstrate Christ's love and patience.
5. Helping the Needy:
Jesus calls for generosity, urging us to help those in need without hesitation, reflecting God's grace and compassion.
Matthew 5:38-42 challenges us to rise above the desire for revenge, promoting grace, patience, and generosity. By living these principles, we reflect God's kingdom and demonstrate Christ's love in our daily interactions.
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