Day 172: Uzziah's Pride

2 Kings 3:1-27 Judah and Israel united militarily against a common enemy, the Moabites. The distinctions between the kings’ leadership styles is clear: When obstacles arose, Jehoram (NORTHERN KINGDOM) despaired while Jehoshaphat (SOUTHERN KINGDOM) turned to the Lord by means of the Prophet Elisha. The water that flowed miraculously can be seen as a sign of salvation, purification, and everlasting life. (CCC 1094, 1219)


2 Chronicles 26:1-23 Uzziah burned incense in the Temple, a privilege reserved to the consecrated priests. He reacted in anger when corrected for this infraction of the Mosaic Law. Because of his violation of the law and his anger, he was smitten with leprosy and consequently died alone since he was ritually impure. 


Psalm 72 The king of Israel was responsible for imparting justice in his realm. In practice, however, many of the kings of Israel failed seriously in this regard. With the loss of population through exile combined with the loss of the Davidic monarchy, the hope for future justice became invested in the messiah, the perfect king foretold by the prophets. The messiah would restore perfect justice and peace in an everlasting kingdom not of this world. In fact, justice and peace would be one of the chief features of the messiah’s reign, especially in light of its emphasis on the love and care for the poor and afflicted. The messiah was the ultimate hope of Israel, and all nations would rally around him for salvation and sanctification. Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah and Savior of the world, who announced his kingdom of peace and justice through repentance and fidelity to his teaching; his kingdom, however, is not of this world. There is room in the heart of Christ for EVERYONE, especially the poor and the afflicted. (Cf. St. John Paul II, General Audiences, December 1 and 15, 2004)

(*The Didache Bible RSV-CE Ignatius Edition, 2006)



Prayer by Fr. Mike: “Father in Heaven we do praise and bless your name and may you be blessed above everyone, above all things. May you be honored and glorified. May you be worshiped and loved because you are love, Lord God, and you reveal your heart of love to us and your heart of love that is for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”