Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 14, 2024
Amos 6:7-13; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:7-13
One day, as usually, an orphan, a little girl, stood at the street corner begging for food, money or whatever she could get. Now, this girl was wearing very tattered clothes, was dirty and quite dishevelled. A well-to-do you man passed that corner without giving the girl a second look. But, when he returned to his expensive home, his happy and comfortable family, and his well-laden dinner table, his thoughts returned to the young orphan. He became very angry with God for allowing such conditions to exist. He reproached God, saying, How can you let this happen Why don t you do something to help this girl. Then he heard God in the depths of his being responding by saying “Yes friend I did something. I created you.”
This Sunday we assemble as a people who have been called to be bearers of God’s love to all humanity. Each of us is called to be a witness to God’s presence in the world in some unique way in some unique part of the creation. Each of us has been sent out by the Christ to proclaim good news, announce forgiveness, and to build the kingdom of peace. This is the reality of vocation. And thinking about and celebrating our individual vocations is something we are going to do today.
In the first reading, we encounter the prophet Amos, a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees, who is called by God to prophesy to the people of Israel. Amos’s story is a powerful reminder that God often chooses the most unlikely individuals for His mission. Amos did not come from a family of prophets; he was an ordinary man living an ordinary life. Yet, when called by God, he did not hesitate to leave his livelihood and speak God’s truth to a nation that had strayed from righteousness.
Amos’s courage to accept God’s call, despite opposition from Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, illustrates the importance of fidelity to God’s word over seeking human approval. As modern-day disciples, we too may face opposition or rejection when we stand up for our faith and proclaim the Gospel. Amos’s example encourages us to trust in God’s choice and to boldly fulfill our prophetic role in the world.
The Gospel reading recounts the sending out of the Twelve Apostles. Jesus instructs them to go out two by two, take nothing for their journey except a staff, and to rely on the hospitality of those they encounter. This passage highlights several important aspects of our missionary call.
First, the sending out in pairs underscores the importance of community and support in our mission. We are not called to go it alone; we need each other for encouragement and strength. Second, Jesus’s instruction to travel light and depend on the generosity of others teaches us to trust in God’s providence. Our reliance should not be on material possessions but on God’s provision and the kindness of others.
Lastly, the apostles are given authority over unclean spirits and instructed to anoint the sick and heal them. This demonstrates that the mission of proclaiming the Gospel is accompanied by acts of mercy and healing. Our words must be matched by our actions, showing the compassion and love of Christ to those we encounter.
We come in prayer and contemplation to the Lord to go out in loving service. As Jesus sends the disciples on their mission, he warns them about what to expect, that the people will not always accept them. They have to remember that the message is not to be forced on people. Faith is always an invitation to believe, not a command that has to be obeyed. What is especially noteworthy of the instructions that Jesus gave to his disciples before he sent them, is that he does not mention anything of what they were to say, rather, he stresses the kind of lives they should live.
As we reflect on these readings, we are invited to consider our own response to God’s call. Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones and proclaim the Gospel with courage and conviction, like Amos? Do we recognize the spiritual blessings and unity we have in Christ, and do we let this shape our mission? Are we ready to trust in God’s provision and rely on the support of our Christian community as we go forth?
The mission field is vast and varied. It may be in our homes, workplaces, schools, or neighborhoods. Wherever we are, we are called to be witnesses of God’s love, peace, and reconciliation. Today the Lord also tells you and me, “Yes friend I did something. I created you.” Let us pray for the grace to answer this call with faithfulness and courage, knowing that God has chosen and equipped each of us for His mission.
Happy Sunday
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