13th Week in Ord. Time, Saturday – 6th July 2024 – Amos 9,11-15; Mt 9,14-17
Restoration of New Eden
In the first reading, Amos comes to end his prophecies with promises to rebuild cities and restore plentiful harvest. After many denunciations of hypocritical religious practices and unjust treatment of the poor, the final words of the prophet picture a glorious prosperity like a new Eden. It brings in hope that messianic times will bring. The promises for the future include the restoration of the Davidic Kingdom, material prosperity and the homeland recovered forever. Amos reminds the people of Israel that it is the coming of the day of the Lord, when “the booth of David that is fallen” will be raised up. David’s booth, i.e., his dynasty, which had come on hard times and continually being humiliated by outside conquerors because of Israel’s unfaithful, idolatrous and corrupt practices within its land. He says the “booth or hut” rather than the “house” reminds of the humble beginnings of David, the shepherd boy who was picked out by God to succeed Saul as king of God’s people. Or perhaps it is an image of a once proud dynasty, now had fallen on sad times. The hope is that somewhere in the future, the ruins of Israel will be rebuilt and unfinished battles over enemies will be completed. It will be a time of prosperity and abundance. All will be restored as the people turn again to God and renew their relationship by their observance of God’s commands.
