Daily Readings - Sun Jul 11 2021
Amos
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.
Ephesians
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Mark
7And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;8And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:9But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.10And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.11And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.12And they went out, and preached that men should repent.13And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful reminders of God’s call, our response to that call, and the profound blessings we receive as children of God. The first reading from Amos shows us a prophet who, despite being told to leave and stop speaking God’s word, remains steadfast in his mission. Amos humbly insists that he is not a professional prophet but simply a man called by God to deliver a message. This exchange highlights the tension between human authority and divine authority, as well as the courage required to obey God’s will even in the face of opposition.
The second reading from Ephesians shifts our focus to the blessings we have received in Christ. Paul reminds us that before the world was even created, God chose us to be holy and blameless in His sight. This passage is a beautiful expression of God’s eternal plan of love and adoption, through which we are made sons and daughters of God. It emphasizes that our lives are not random or without purpose; rather, they are part of a grand design rooted in God’s grace and wisdom. This truth should fill us with gratitude and hope, knowing that we are loved and destined for greatness in Christ.
In the Gospel, Mark recounts how Jesus sent out the Twelve Apostles two by two, giving them authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons. Jesus’ instructions to travel lightly, without extra provisions, teach us about trust in God’s providence. The Apostles’ mission was not about self-reliance but about reliance on God and the hospitality of others. This reminds us that our own mission as disciples is not about our own strength or resources but about surrendering to God’s plan and trusting in His grace. Like Amos and the Apostles, we are called to live with humility, courage, and trust, knowing that God equips us for whatever He asks of us. Let us embrace our calling, live simply, and share the Good News with joy and perseverance.