In this week’s readings we hear more about being a prophet, or a disciple. The first reading tells of Amos, who was a shepherd and caretaker of trees in the southern kingdom of Judah. God called him to go to the northern kingdom of Israel, where apparently his message was not well received. Amaziah, the chief priest and advisor to King Jeroboam II, tried to exile him, and Amos defended himself by saying that he was chosen by God to prophesy to the people of Israel. In the Gospel reading from Mark, we read about Jesus sending His disciples out in pairs to preach and heal. He gave them specific instructions; they were to rely on God for their daily needs, rather than themselves. In Jesus’ name they “drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.” 

Both Amos (and the other prophets of old) and the disciples knew that they were chosen by God for a mission. It was not their idea to do what they did, and some actively tried to resist (Jonah, for instance). But there was no escaping from the call that God had for them. As Christians, we too have been chosen; all of us have a part to play in bringing God’s kingdom a little closer. We’re not all called to go to distant places and preach; rather, most of us are called to God’s witnesses in very ordinary (but no less important) ways in our local communities, to our family and friends. We need to take this call seriously, just as the disciples and the prophets of old did. The psalm we heard today speaks clearly of the benefits of bringing God’s kingdom into being…truth, kindness, mercy, peace and justice, things our society clearly are in need of. 

Reflection by Parishioner John Ceglarek