2 King 17:5-8, 13-15, 18 / Matthew 7:1-5
In the history of the world, there were many great kingdoms and empires.
The common characteristic of these kingdoms and empires is their rise and fall, and almost nothing remained of these kingdoms and empires except for that in the pages of the history books.
We may wonder why a kingdom or empire can't last or remain? Is that how it is supposed to be, or is it some kind of a curse that a kingdom or empire won't last more than a number of years?
Well there can be many reasons, but with the rise of a kingdom or empire, comes the sweet taste of power and control, and it is very addictive.
And with the desire for more power and control comes the cruelty of oppression and subjection, and with that moral decay sets in and integrity and justice is eroded.
In the 1st reading, we heard of the annihilation of the Northern Kingdom of Israel by Assyria. Yes it was literally wiped off the face of the earth and became history and a thing of the past.
All because they forgot their humble and lowly origins as slaves in Egypt and they turned away from God who freed them and made them His people.
We may say it was the ingratitude and the stupidity of that people to do such a thing.
But let us hold ourselves in check. What happened to the Northern Kingdom of Israel has also happened to other kingdoms and empires and can also happen to ourselves.
Let us not judge but to learn from the lessons of history. Let us also remain humble and lowly and be grateful and thankful that God loves us and has made us His own people.