Daily Readings - Tue Jun 28 2022
Amos
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?"
Matthew
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.