Daily Catholic Mass Readings for June 28, 2022
First Reading: Amos 3.1-8; 4.11-12
1Hear this word that the LORD has spoken against you, O people of Israel, against the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt:2"You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.3"Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?4Does a lion roar in the forest, when he has no prey? Does a young lion cry out from his den, if he has taken nothing?5Does a bird fall in a snare on the earth, when there is no trap for it? Does a snare spring up from the ground, when it has taken nothing?6Is a trumpet blown in a city, and the people are not afraid? Does disaster come to a city, unless the LORD has done it?7"For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.8The lion has roared; who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken; who can but prophesy?"
Psalm 5
1Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning.2Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray.3O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.4For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.5The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers.6You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.7But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.8Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.9For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue.10Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you.11But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.12For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.
Gospel: Matthew 8.23-27
23And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him.24And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep.25And they went and woke him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing."26And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.27And the men marveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and 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.