Daily Readings - Wed Jul 01 2020
Amos
14Seek good and not evil, so that you may live. And the Lord God of hosts will be with you, just as you have asked15Hate evil and love good, and establish judgment at the gate. Perhaps then the Lord God of hosts may have mercy on the remnant of Joseph21I hate and have rejected your feasts; and I will not accept the odor from your gatherings22For if you offer me holocausts and your gifts, I will not receive them; and I will not look upon the vows of your fatness23Take away from me the tumult of your songs, and I will not listen to the canticles of your lyre24And judgment will be revealed like water, and justice like a mighty torrent
Matthew
28And when he had arrived across the sea, into the region of the Gerasenes, he was met by two who had demons, who were so exceedingly savage, as they went out from among the tombs, that no one was able to cross by that way29And behold, they cried out, saying: "What are we to you, O Jesus, the Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?30Now there was, not far from them, a herd of many swine feeding31Then the demons petitioned him, saying: "If you cast us from here, send us into the herd of swine.32And he said to them, "Go." And they, going out, went into the swine. And behold, the entire herd suddenly rushed along a steep place into the sea. And they died in the waters33Then the shepherds fled, and arriving in the city, they reported on all this, and on those who had had the demons34And behold, the entire city went out to meet Jesus. And having seen him, they petitioned him, so that he would cross from their borders
Sermon
The first reading from the prophet Amos calls us to seek good and reject evil, reminding us that true worship of God is not about outward rituals but about living justly and loving mercy. Amos condemns the hollow religious practices of his time, where people went through the motions of sacrifice and celebration but neglected justice and compassion. He warns that God despises such hypocrisy and calls us instead to live in a way that reflects His justice and love. The reading challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring that our faith is not just a matter of external observance but a transformative force in our lives.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a dramatic encounter between Jesus and two demon-possessed men. The demons, recognizing Jesus’ authority, beg Him not to torment them before their time. Jesus, in His mercy, allows them to enter a herd of swine, which then rush to their destruction. The people of the region, though witnesses to this miraculous display of power, ask Jesus to leave, perhaps out of fear or misunderstanding. This story underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the power of God over evil. It also highlights the human tendency to recoil from God’s presence when we do not fully understand or welcome His transformative work in our lives.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on the nature of true worship and the call to live as children of God. Amos reminds us that our relationship with God must be rooted in justice, compassion, and integrity, while Matthew shows us the liberating power of Jesus over sin and evil. In our daily lives, we are called to seek good, reject evil, and open ourselves to the transformative power of Christ. Let us ask ourselves: Are our actions and choices reflecting God’s justice and love? Are we willing to let go of sin and allow Christ to free us from the forces that bind us? May we strive to live in such a way that our faith is not merely outward but a deep, life-changing encounter with the living God.