Eleventh Week / Ordinary Time / Weekdays / Year II
1

HUMILITY CHANGES THE MIND OF GOD

by Fr. JohnBosco Ezeonwumelu · June 18, 2018

⏰Tuesday of the Eleventh Week of Ordinary Time 2 (19 June 2018)

📖1 Kgs 21:17-29; Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 11 and 16 (R.v.3a); Matt 5:43-48

The scripture noted that there is no one who did what God abhorred as much as Ahab (1 Kgs 21:25-26). As a consequence, God already passed a judgement of horrible annihilation upon him and his households (cf. 1 Kgs 21:17-24). Yet, when Ahab heard of the judgement, he humbled himself before God and so made God to defer his punishment till after his lifetime (1 Kgs 21:27-29).

As an aside, we can immediately see from that drama, the communitarian effect of sin. It was Ahab and his wife that sinned but his sons and his entire households share from it.

Today, many people suffer for the sins of their fathers and forefathers just like the household of Ahab. It serves as a warning to everyone of us. Your way of life today may have positive or negative effect on your relatives tomorrow.

Nonetheless, if God could refrain from punishing the notorious Ahab because he humbled himself before him, do you think he would not have been more lenient to his sons if they had humbled themselves too? I am sure he would. Unfortunately, the son of Ahab, Ahaziah followed the footsteps of his parents in doing evil before God and so perished as they did (see 1 Kgs 22:51-53 and 2 Kgs 1:1-17).

The Psalmist says that the Lord will not spurn a humbled contrite heart (Ps 51:17). Even if you are a victim of ancestral curse, come to God with a broken heart and a humbled spirit. He who did not allow the Ninevites to perish will not turn himself away from you.

Do you think you are the worst of all sinners? You are not worst than Ahab. Do not allow yourself to fall into the sin of Judas (sin of despair). He says to all of us, even if your sins are like scarlet or red as crimson, they would be cleansed (Isa 1:18) but you need to be willing and obedient (Isa 1:19).

May God help us to strive after humility in all we are doing without counting on our ego. Amen.

Have a beautiful day ahead. Peace be with you.