2 Kings 11: 1-4, 9-18, 20; Psalm 132; Mathew 6: 19-23
Again a wicked Queen plots to murder the whole royal family, but an aunt kidnaps and hides her nephew, the rightful king, in the "house of the Lord." "House of the Lord" will be repeated frequently in this passage. When the child is older the priest Jehoiada passes out weapons to the captains and guards, brings the boy out of hiding, anoints and crowns him rightful king. "Treason! " shouts the wicked queen, but the priest will not let her be killed in the house of the Lord. He crafts a new covenant, but the slaughter of the priests of Baal, destruction of idols and houses is very violent. In the gospel, Jesus asks: "What for?" Why this destruction? Is it because we are trying to "store up treasure for ourselves," and power? "Where your treasure is, there your heart will also be."
Undoubtedly, you don't kill, but what is it that provokes your annoyance, your anger, your rage? What treasures? Examine with Jesus what it is that you really treasure and then give it to him, bit by bit during your prayer time. Try to continue that offer through the day if any "treasure" or grasping or anger rises in you. "He bears our burdens day after day." (Ps 68: 19)
Only you have the real power to remove our grasping for power: our grasp, the leaders' grasp, even the poor's grasp for material wants, not needs. Calm our need for power, Jesus and our need for things.