Daily Readings - Tue Jun 28 2022
Amos
1Listen to the word which the Lord has spoken about you, sons of Israel, concerning the whole family that I led out of the land of Egypt, saying2I have known only you in such a way, out of all the families of the earth. For this reason, I will visit upon you all your iniquities3Will two walk together, unless they have agreed to do so4Will a lion roar in the forest, unless he has prey? Will the lion’s young cry out from his den, unless he has taken something5Will a bird fall into a snare on the ground, if there is no bird-catcher? Will a snare be taken away from the ground, before it has caught something6Will the trumpet sound in a city, and the people not become frightened? Will there be disaster in a city, which the Lord has not done7For the Lord God does not fulfill his word, unless he has revealed his secret to his servants the prophets8The lion will roar, who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken, who will not prophesy
Matthew
23And climbing into a boat, his disciples followed him24And behold, a great tempest occurred in the sea, so much so that the boat was covered with waves; yet truly, he was sleeping25And his disciples drew near to him, and they awakened him, saying: "Lord, save us, we are perishing.26And Jesus said to them, "Why are you afraid, O little in faith?" Then rising up, he commanded the winds, and the sea. And a great tranquility occurred27Moreover, the men wondered, saying: "What kind of man is this? For even the winds and the sea obey him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons about trust and faith in the face of turmoil. The first reading from Amos conveys God's judgment on Israel, using vivid imagery to emphasize that events do not occur without purpose. Amos highlights the role of prophets in revealing God's plan, urging Israel to repentance despite past punishments. In the Gospel, Matthew depicts Jesus calming a storm, showcasing His divine authority and the disciples' journey from fear to faith.
Both readings are set against backdrops of societal and personal upheaval. Amos addressed a prosperous yet unjust Israel, calling for repentance. Matthew's narrative occurs early in Jesus's ministry, demonstrating His power and reinforcing the theme of trust. The common thread is the call to trust God, whether through prophetic warnings or divine intervention in nature.
In our lives, we face our own "storms," where fear and doubt can overwhelm us. Like the disciples, we may question God's presence, but Jesus's rebuke reminds us to have faith. The lesson is clear: trust in God's plan, even when the path is unclear. Let us turn to Him in times of turmoil, seeking calm and guidance, and remember that true faith lies in trusting His providence.