July 14, 2024; 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

                                 Readings: Amos 7:12-15; Eph. 1:3-14; Mk 6:7-13 

Exploitation of the Poor incurs God’s Wrath

Last Sunday, we reflected on life’s unpleasant realities. This is a thorn in the flesh, according to St. Paul: “That I, Paul, might not become too elated, because of the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated.” (2 Cor. 12:9). We also saw this thorn in the rejection of Christ by his people: “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! and they took offense at him.” (Mk. 6:2-6). Today, we are to examine our responsiveness to the message preached to us. The preacher – the apostle – or missionary is sent to preach. “How can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent?” (Rom. 10:14-16).

A true preacher receives his authority or mandate to preach from the one who sent him. The preacher’s message is not his own, therefore, his lifestyle must reflect his message. In the first reading, Amos was sent by God from the South to preach repentance in Bethel in the North. He warned the people about their lifestyle and reprimanded the rich for their treatment of the poor. He told them that since they took no notice of the poor except to exploit and use them to advance their selfish interests, and because of social injustice and religious arrogance, the Lord would punish them using a total military disaster. His message was direct and uncompromising. Because of this, Amos was rejected and told to return to the South. But Amos insisted that he was “a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore. The Lord took me from following the flock, and said to me, Go, prophesy to my people Israel.” (Amos 7:15). He told Amaziah that his mandate to preach came from God.

The call to preach must come from God. Christ reminded his apostles, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you, And I appointed you to go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide.” (Jn. 15:16). Christ called the apostles “To be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” (Mk. 3:14-15). The apostles shared in Christ’s life, lived with him, and learnt from him as he prepared them for the mission. Living with Christ enlightened and enabled them to know the difference between right and wrong, between what is essential and what is not, between a life of grace and a life of sin. To understand the purpose for which we are called, we need real enlightenment, not the product of human thinking but that given to us freely from above. Therefore, St. Paul prays in the second reading, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power in us who believe.” (Eph. 1:17-19).

That the apostles lived with Christ was their strength. It allowed them to choose the simplicity of life after their Master. In sending them on a mission, Christ warned them about their lifestyle. “Learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt. 11:29). The instruction was simple and direct. They were to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick – no food, sack, or money. They were to wear sandals but not a second tunic. They were to stay where they were welcome and move on if rejected. Their message was simple: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” According to Matthew, they were to “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and drive out demons.” (Mt. 10:8). They were to help those who were hurting and preach good news to the people.

The message of Christ is in direct contrast to today’s prosperity preachers. By their dress and lifestyle, you shall know them. The Lord requires us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him. (Micah 6:9). Unfortunately, we are encumbered by material things that stand in the way of preaching the gospel. Peter told the cripple beggar, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise and walk.” (Acts 3:6) Now we have silver and gold, therefore we cannot make the lame walk. We find it difficult to live a life of grace detached from material things. These are hindrances to preaching the gospel and bringing people to faith. We must trust God, who will supply all our needs. Christ cautions, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33). Let us go and do likewise! Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP