Often when reflecting on the weeks scriptures, I am reminded of walking into a diamond mine. Everywhere you turn there are gems to be found. Some are beautiful and glorious, and others are still partially encased in stone waiting to be opened up. This week’s readings are just like that.
Our first reading is from the prophet Amos. He is what we call a “minor” prophet. It is not because his writings are not powerful. The only difference between a “major” prophet and a “minor” prophet is the lengthiness of their writings. That is all. It has nothing to do with their prophecies…See you may have learned something that you didn’t know before.
In this passage of Amos we are given a glimpse of what seems to be a “turf war” between Amos and a priest named Amaziah who wants Amos to go back to Judah in the south. Amos holds his ground and tells Amaziah that he has been sent by God to prophesy to Israel, and he does just that. Sometimes we may be put in a situation where we will need to stand strong in our Faith and not be namby pamby Catholics, but to stand proudly in the Faith of our Church and defend Her teachings and precepts boldly and without fear.
St. Paul reminds the Ephesians and all Catholics exactly who we are in Christ. In some beautiful and poetic words St. Paul tells us that in Him we are ‘Chosen’. He tells us that we exist for the praise of God’s glory. How cool is that! We need to be reminded often of just who we are in Christ. We are His beloved…His Church…His bride…His friends…Let’s act like it.
Finally in our gospel from St. Mark our Blessed Lord is sending out the twelve and giving them authority over unclean spirits. Notice He tells them not to bring food or money or extra clothing. This is a reminder to us to trust in God and not worry so much. We must turn over our wills and trust that His will be done. So, this week, let us not be afraid to stand strong. Let us pray for our Pope, Bishops and Priests and all who share the Faith in our world, and finally let us put our trust in the one who created the Heavens and the Earth. The one who is our God, our Savior, and our friend…Our Lord Jesus the Christ…Then there will be nothing to worry about. Something to think about. May God richly bless you always!