Readings: 1 Kings 21:17-29; Psalm 51; Matthew 5:43-48
Much has happened these past few months: the coronavirus happened, practically bringing the whole world to its knees.  Its far-reaching impact, not just physical and mental health but economic as well and it is far from over: Then, there is the other pandemic – the violent deaths, yes in Canada as well as in the US, that caught international attention and brought calls for justice and equality throughout the globe. Today’s readings, both of them, seem to be relevant to our own time and to speak to our time.
Justice, power, greed, corruption and evil … all are on full display in both the first reading and the Gospel. Jesus put the Book of Kings in opposition, in juxtaposition to the Gospel. Christ is radical: He is asking for true justice for our neighbour and willingness to allow a complete emptying of our own wants and desires for the sake of others. We are called to place faith in God by emptying ourselves of both material possessions and desire for revenge.
So, the relevant question for me is: am I willing to trust and follow Christ’s teaching unconditionally? Otherwise, I am simply taking on the wickedness of both Ahab, Jezebel and the elders of Israel. These are points to pray and contemplate in these disturbing times.
The world may seem confusing and upside down right now. The Psalm today gives us words to pray in these troubled times and to find comfort: “Give heed to my sighing. Listen to the sound of my cry, my king and my God! For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil will not sojourn with you. The boastful will not stand before your eyes.” God is always the constant in my life and I must rely only on him in these tumultuous times.
God bless us all with a good dose of humility.
Be blessed.
Fr. Brian