Daily Readings - Thu Jul 02 2020
Amos
10Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, "Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to bear all his words.11For thus Amos has said, "'Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel must go into exile away from his land.'"12And Amaziah said to Amos, "O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, and eat bread there, and prophesy there,13but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king's sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom."14Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, "I was no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs.15But the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'16Now therefore hear the word of the LORD. "You say, 'Do not prophesy against Israel, and do not preach against the house of Isaac.'17Therefore Thus says the LORD: "'Your wife shall be a prostitute in the city, and your sons and your daughters shall fall by the sword, and your land shall be divided up with a measuring line; you yourself shall die in an unclean land, and Israel shall surely go into exile away from its land.'"
Matthew
1And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city.2And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven."3And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming."4But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?5For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'?6But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--he then said to the paralytic--"Rise, pick up your bed and go home."7And he rose and went home.8When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that highlight the courage and authority that come from fulfilling God's will. The first reading from Amos describes the prophet's confrontation with Amaziah, a priest who rejects Amos' prophecies and orders him to leave. Amos, though not a professional prophet, stands firm in his calling, emphasizing that his role is divinely appointed. He boldly pronounces judgment on Amaziah, illustrating the unwavering commitment required when speaking God's truth.
The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus healing a paralytic man, demonstrating His divine authority to forgive sins and perform miracles. Despite the skepticism of the scribes, Jesus' actions affirm His power and compassion. This story underscores the transformative impact of faith and trust in God's plan.
Both readings remind us that living according to God's will often requires courage in the face of opposition. Amos and Jesus exemplify this courage, showing us that true faith leads to action and trust in divine providence. In our daily lives, we are called to stand firm in our beliefs, even when faced with adversity, and to trust that God's plan will guide us through all challenges.