Advocate for the Marginalized (Homily for Tuesday of the 11th week in ordinary time year II
Homily for Tuesday of the 11th week in ordinary time, year II (June 18, 2024) 1king 21:17-29; Psalm 51; Mathew 5:43-48 Advocate for the Marginalized As King Ahab stepped into Naboth's vineyard with the intent to claim ownership, he likely perceived himself as omnipotent. The transaction—or lack thereof—seemed immensely favorable to him. Without the exchange of currency or alternative property, Ahab acquired the vineyard. Despite the baseless allegations against Naboth, no one dared to question the validity of the claims, given their royal origin. It appeared to Ahab that power justified might, and might dictated justice. It is conceivable that, had Naboth been of royal lineage or possessed considerable wealth and influence, Ahab would have refrained from such tyrannical behavior. In Naboth, Ahab saw an individual devoid of societal stature or an advocate to champion his cause, rendering him vulnerable to the king's whims. In contemporary society, Naboth symbolizes the impoveris...