13th Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 4th July 2024 – Amos 7,10-17; Mt 9,1-8
Prophetic Truths
The first reading records Amos’ confrontation with the priest Amaziah in Bethel. Amaziah opposes the prophetic work of Amos, because he pronounced a judgement upon Amaziah, telling him that his family would suffer due to his opposition to God’s word and messenger. Amaziah falsely accuses Amos of treachery against the northern Israel’s king and expels him from northern capital, the holy city of Bethel. But Amos insists that he is not a prophet by trade, but one uniquely called by God with a message for northern Israel. Amos denies that he became a prophet for financial gain. He had earned his living as a shepherd in the highlands of Judah and as a sycamore dresser in the lowlands of Judah. The reading epitomizes the challenging but indispensable role of the prophet. Amos performs his duty as prophet, not because he wanted to be a prophet nor because he was trained to be a prophet. He speaks God’s word because God had called him to do so. His responsibility is to speak out clearly the truths he sees, however unpalatable they may be. He is bound to arouse hostility against himself by those who do not want to hear what he has to say. Yet prophets are absolutely essential; we need them, even if we do not like their messages.
