Written by Sr. Rosemary O.P.
Our first reading is about someone who didn’t get his way. We heard Part 1 yesterday about selfish King Ahab who, like many of us, wanted something he couldn’t have. He wanted Naboth’s vineyard and was willing to make a deal for it.
It must have been a beautiful garden. It was located right next to Ahab’s summer home. Ahab was a powerful man and always got what he wanted, so imagine his face when Naboth told him he couldn’t have it. Naboth was a principled, God-fearing man, and there was a reason why he couldn’t give Ahab his property. When God gave the land of Canaan to Israel, God divided it among the tribes of Israel. Otherwise, the land would have gone into the hands of the few. So God made sure this land wouldn’t change hands outside the tribe it was allotted. Naboth knew he couldn’t sell his land, even if the king made a tempting deal for it.
But Ahab couldn’t understand this, so after Naboth said no, Ahab did what a spoiled person does…he pouted! He had the whole kingdom at his disposal, but he was fussing about one little garden.
Enter Jezebel, Ahab’s devious wife. In short, she connived to have Naboth killed and he was. Ahab got his vineyard.
Today we heard part 2. God saw it all and passed a disastrous judgment on Ahab and his descendants for what Ahab had done. But once this cold heartless man was confronted by God, he actually humbled himself. Because he did so, God relented on his judgment.
What can we learn from the story of Ahab? Perhaps it’s comforting to know that no matter what deeds we’ve done, if we humble ourselves before God, God who does judge our offenses, would rather forgive us than punish us.
The story is told of Sam Houston, the 19th century statesman from Texas. He was a pretty rough guy with a checkered past, yet later in his life he became a Christian. As he was being baptized in the river, the preacher said to him “Sam, your sins are all washed away.” Sam Houston replied: “God help the fish”.
God is a compassionate Father who, Scripture assures us, stands eager to forgive us. In our daily examination of conscience where we spend time with God asking God to reshape our hearts, may we honestly acknowledge our needs, repent our deeds, and humbly ask for forgiveness.
