Daily Readings - Thu Jul 02 2020
Amos
10Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words.11For thus Amos saith, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of their own land.12Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there:13But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king's chapel, and it is the king's court.14Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:15And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.16Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac.17Therefore thus saith the LORD; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.
Matthew
1And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.2And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.3And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.4And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?5For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?6But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.7And he arose, and departed to his house.8But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto 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.