Friday of the
Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
(II Kings 11:1-4.9-18.20; Matthew 6:19-23)
Today’s first reading will seem odd to many. Not only are the characters involved in the
story unfamiliar. It also tells a sordid
tale, hardly edifying as part of the word of God. Many will want to ignore it and move on to
the gospel. However, the Church has
chosen this reading for a purpose which begs illumination.
After Ahab’s wife Jezebel had Naboth, the poor farmer, killed
and his land expropriated, Ahab repented.
It was said that God was pleased with Ahab’s change of heart and did not
punish him. Rather Ahab’s descendants
would suffer the consequences of his offenses.
This saga is played out with Athaliah, Ahab and Jezebel’s daughter. She married Jehoram, the corrupt king of Judah. Jehoram died leaving his son Ahaziah king;
and Athaliah, the queen mother. Jehu of
Israel killed Ahaziah along with another Jehoram, the king of Israel, and most of
Ahab’s other descendants. In this way Ahab’s
dynasty in Israel ended. Meanwhile Athaliah
seized power over Judah. She had all claimants
to its throne killed, including her own descendants. However, one of Ahaziah’s sons, Joash, was
rescued. The high priest eventually anointed
Joash king and had Athaliah slain.
The gruesome story illustrates what Jesus teaches in the
gospel. We have to make treasures of the
right things. If we want power to rule
over people without regard to caring for them in God’s name, we will come to
ruin. But if we use the authority given
to us for true human welfare, we will prosper in God’s eyes.
