David Peter csc –
Readings: 1Kgs 21: 1-16; Mt 5: 38-42
The readings of the day invite me to remember and reflect exclusively on two commandments from the ten commandments given to us through Moses. First, you shall not covet your neighbour’s goods, and second, you shall not kill. We know that desire is the root cause of all suffering.
In the first reading, Ahab desired the land of Naboth. His desire for the land put Naboth, an innocent man, to death through the false witness made by his wife. In the gospel reading, we reflect on the command of Jesus “love your neighbour as yourself”. Our love for others is expressed through our deeds.
As I reflect on this passage, I remember an incident in the life of St. Mother Teresa. As she was begging for food for her people, a man spit in her hands but her words to him is an inspiration for all of us: “What you have given is for me, now please give something to the people.” Her love for those people was shown in her deeds, as she accepted and walked the extra mile as a sign of her love for the people.
Today let us ask ourselves, are we faithful to the commandments of God? How do we express ourselves to others even if they go against us?
Today, let us pray for peace among the people who go against each other for the sake of earthly possessions. We seek the grace of Jesus to let our love for others be of non-retaliation and of generous giving.