All last month we read through 1st and 2nd Samuel. We read how in response to the Israelites crying out for a king to unite the tribes, God grants their demand. God establishes Saul, and then David. And all last months we read about their successes and failures—their faith and their sins and the implications for the newly united kingdom.
Finishing 2nd Samuel we started the next book of the Old Testament 1st kings. And in 1st Kings we read about the reign of David’s heir, King Solomon, of his wisdom, and the building and dedication of the Jerusalem temple. Solomon’s reign would be a time of prosperity—but also—sadly—the beginning of the disintegration of the kingdom of Israel. The United Kingdom of Israel will be split into two kingdoms of Israel and Judah—and then both kingdoms be conquered by foreign powers.
Today we heard of the first prophecy of that fracturing. Solomon’s servant, Jeroboam, encounters a prophet. And Ahijah tears his new cloak into 12 pieces, The twelve pieces represent the 12 tribes of Israel. The pretty newly minted kingdom—only two generations old, really—will be torn asunder. 10 tribes will comprise the northern kingdom and 2 tribes will comprise the southern.
Why would God allow this division—this tearing of the cloak—this tearing of the kingdom? Much of it had to do with Solomon. Though he was known for his wisdom, Solomon was not wise enough, and relied on his own wisdom, rather than the wisdom of God. Heavy taxation and forced labor were unpopular among the northern tribes, leading to discontent and grievances. Additionally, Solomon's later years were marred by idolatry. He allowed the introduction of foreign gods and practices into the kingdom, influenced by his hundreds of foreign wives.
It is no surprise that opulence and idolatry amongst the leadership have terrible consequences on the rest of the nation. That sad story has played out in nearly every nation on earth. And there is really not much we can do about it. We are subject to political, social, and economic powers beyond our control.
What can we do amidst all of these uncontrollable forces? What IS in our control? We can seek to be saints. And we can seek to be saints by doing what our leaders almost inevitably fail to do. Where they fall into the corruption of opulence and greed—we must cultivate personal sanctity through poverty, simplicity, temperance, and generosity. Where they fall into the corruption of idolatry and strange cults and philosophies—we cultivate sanctity through right worship of the one true God, obedience to his commands, piety, knowledge and understanding of our faith, and right judgment. Where they hoard their God-given gifts for their own sordid gain--we cultivate sanctity by using our gifts and talents for the mission of the Gospel.
We can’t control what the kings are doing—and we can barely mitigate the damage that they do. What we can do, amidst all the division and chaos in the world, is to allow our ears to be open by Jesus like the man in the Gospel today, that we may hear and obey the Word of God in all things, and likewise allow Jesus to cure our muteness, that we may speak the truth of the Gospel, to allow Jesus to heal our hearts that they may be truly alive in the Spirit for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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To God the Father Almighty we direct the prayers of our heart for the needs and salvation of humanity and the good of His faithful ones.
That all of our leaders, in the Church and in government, may be guided by Holy Wisdom and govern with just and discerning hearts.
For the conversion of all those who have fallen into serious sin, for a return of fallen away Catholics to the Sacraments, and that all young people may be protected from the perversions of our culture.
For all who are oppressed by any kind of need, that the Lord may graciously grant them relief.
For ourselves and our own community, that the Lord may graciously receive us as a sacrifice acceptable to himself.
For our beloved dead, for the poor souls in purgatory, and for X, for whom this Mass is offered.
O God, our refuge and our strength, hear the prayers of your Church, for you yourself are the source of all devotion, and grant, we pray, that what we ask in faith we may truly obtain. Through Christ our Lord.
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