Daily Readings - Thu Jul 02 2020
Amos
10Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent a message to Jeroboam king of Israel: "Amos is raising a conspiracy against you in the very heart of Israel. The land cannot bear all his words.11For this is what Amos is saying: "'Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will surely go into exile, away from their native land.'"12Then Amaziah said to Amos, "Get out, you seer! Go back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there and do your prophesying there.13Don't prophesy anymore at Bethel, because this is the king's sanctuary and the temple of the kingdom."14Amos answered Amaziah, "I was neither a prophet nor a prophet's son, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees.15But the LORD took me from tending the flock and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'16Now then, hear the word of the LORD. You say, "'Do not prophesy against Israel, and stop preaching against the house of Isaac.'17"Therefore this is what the LORD says: "'Your wife will become a prostitute in the city, and your sons and daughters will fall by the sword. Your land will be measured and divided up, and you yourself will die in a pagan country. And Israel will certainly go into exile, away from their native land.'"
Matthew
1Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town.2Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."3At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "This fellow is blaspheming!"4Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?5Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?6But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and go home."7And the man got up and went home.8When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to 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.