A world of Ahabs and Naboths
For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes Villegas's current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and blog content. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.
“The story of Naboth is old in time but daily in practice,” said Ambrose of Milan. “Who of the wealthy does not strive to drive off the poor person from his little acre and turn out the needy from the boundaries of his ancestral field?”
Our world was and is ruled by those who control militaries and cartels, banks and corporations—the heirs of King Ahab’s insatiable desire and unrestrained power. “Not, therefore, was one Ahab born,” proclaimed Ambrose, “but, what is worse, daily is Ahab born and never dies in this world. If one perishes, many others spring up.”