Daily Readings - Tue Jun 30 2020
Amos
1Hear this word that the LORD hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying,2You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.3Can two walk together, except they be agreed?4Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing?5Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin is for him? shall one take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all?6Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?7Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.8The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?
Matthew
23And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.24And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.25And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.26And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.27But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of trust and faith in God's providence. The first reading from the Prophet Amos reminds us that God's relationship with His people is deeply personal and intimate. Amos speaks of God's knowledge of Israel and His desire to lead them out of sin and into a life of fidelity. The prophet uses vivid imagery—lions roaring, birds falling into snares—to emphasize that nothing happens without God's knowledge or purpose. This passage serves as a call to repentance, urging Israel to return to the Lord after experiencing His just judgment. Amos makes it clear that God reveals His plans through His prophets, and we are called to listen and respond.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a complementary message of trust in God's power and care. Jesus, asleep in the boat during a violent storm, is awakened by His terrified disciples. With a word, He calms the winds and the waves, demonstrating His divine authority over creation. The disciples' fear gives way to awe as they ask, "What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?" This episode is not just a display of power but a lesson in faith. Jesus' question to His disciples—"Why are you afraid, O little faith?"—challenges us to examine our own trust in God when we face the storms of life.
Both readings invite us to deepen our relationship with God and to trust in His providence. Amos calls us to listen to God's voice and to repent, while Matthew encourages us to have faith in God's power and care, even in the midst of turmoil. In our daily lives, we can apply these lessons by remaining attentive to God's presence, seeking His will, and trusting that He is always with us, even when the waters seem rough. Let us strive to live with the confidence that comes from knowing God's love and care, and may we, like the disciples, come to know more deeply the kind of God we follow.