GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 13TH JUNE 2016
MONDAY OF THE 11TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
MEMORIAL OF ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA, PRIEST & DOCTOR
1ST READING: 1 Kings 2:1-16
PSALM: Psalm 5:2-7
GOSPEL: Matthew 5:38-42
THEME: DESIRES
George Bernard Shaw is quoted as saying, “There are two tragedies in life. One is not to get your heart’s desire. The other is to get it.”
We see these two tragedies being played out in our First Reading. Ahab’s inability to annex the vineyard of Naboth that was next to his palace was a big tragedy for him. His readiness to give Naboth a “better vineyard” in exchange or give its value in money shows the depth of his desire. Unfortunately, he could not convince Naboth to let go of his ancestral heritage. The consequence of Ahab’s unfulfilled desire was desperation and depression – “lying down on his bed, he turned away and would not eat” (1Kings 21:4).
The second tragedy was the move to get the vineyard by force and foul means. The wife of Ahab, Jezebel, spearheaded this move. She weaved an evil plot and hatched it in a malicious fashion, thereby stealing the property and killing the rightful owner – yet another tragedy!
Desire is a force that is able to set the heart ablaze. Similar to fire, desire is a good servant but a bad master. In other words, when a desire becomes inordinate and controls a person, it results in series of tragedies and innocent people, unfortunately, become victims.
Selfishness begets evil desires and selflessness produces holy desires. Jesus, in our Gospel text, proposes selflessness to each one of us – “I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone wants to sue you, and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. And whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you” (Mat 5:39-42).
Lord Jesus, I give to you this day all the evil cravings in my heart. I surrender to you all the evil intentions that I have harnessed within me. Here and now, at the foot of your cross, I lay them all down. Amen
Fr. Andrews Obeng, SVD
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)