Daily Readings - Tue Jun 28 2022
Amos
1Hear this word the LORD has spoken against you, O people of Israel-against the whole family I brought up out of Egypt:2"You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins."3Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?4Does a lion roar in the thicket when he has no prey? Does he growl in his den when he has caught nothing?5Does a bird fall into a trap on the ground where no snare has been set? Does a trap spring up from the earth when there is nothing to catch?6When a trumpet sounds in a city, do not the people tremble? When disaster comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it?7Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.8The lion has roared- who will not fear? The Sovereign LORD has spoken- who can but prophesy?
Matthew
23Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.24Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.25The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"26He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.27The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves 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.