Sunday July 12, 2009

Date: Sunday July 12, 2009, Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Amos 7:12-15 Psalm 85:9-14
Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6:7-13

Two weeks ago, the gospel story from Mark centered its message on Faith.

Jesus admonishes the synagogue official to have faith. To the woman who hemorrhaged for 12 years He said," Your Faith has saved you". The results of faith were miraculous! A child was brought back from death; the woman from the virtual death of being perpetually unclean. To test the Faith of His disciples, Jesus gave them authority to expel demons and heal the sick.

Jesus was called a rabbi, a teacher. The object of every teacher is to have his students learn from him and become alter egos of him. In Math, Science and other concrete disciplines, it is possible to become as good as the teacher. But, here! If a culinary artist were to cook a meal for you, you wouldn't be expected to prepare the same meal without practice and a lot of trial and error. A hitting coach on a baseball team is able to spot flaws in a team member's swing, his timing, etc. However, just telling the player has little effect except with repetitive swings until the player has perfectly executed the coach's suggestions.

In the gospel reading, Jesus might have shown the disciples His actions and told them His words of healing. But, what monumental faith they must have had to go off to heal and expel demons on Jesus say so. Jesus simply told them to go do it! We have that same calling! Jesus calls every one of us to heal, to console, to advise in matters of Faith! Perhaps we need to heal a rift in our relationships with spouses and family members.

Maybe we can offer the consolation of a hug when someone seems unloved. Advise to others, lovingly offered, and not critical, may be just what the Great Doctor ordered to heal a misstep, a temporary veering from the right path.

Turn to Christ for help. He's always there, ready for any situation. Christ sent His disciples to tell the Good News. God told Amos to preach to His people, Israel in the Northern Kingdom. Amos was a happy shepherd in the Southern Kingdom. He also was a Sycamore wacker. Wacking the trees when their blossoms were turning to fig like fruit, increased their volume and flavor. The priest of Bethel didn't like Amos' words. He told Amos to get lost; go back to Judah, if you must preach. In his own defense, Amos let Amaziah know, he didn't choose to be a prophet, a spokesperson for God. However, in spite of the castigation and derision shown him, God gave him a job for which he wasn't prepared.

The next two verses lets Amaziah know, in no uncertain terms, what may happen, if the King and his priest refuse to listen to him even though he wasn't a prophet or from a school of prophets.

The Psalmist follows up on the proclamations of Amos. The Lord wants Justice. The Israelites animal sacrifices and holocausts weren't satisfying God's Will. Justice, Peace and Kindness to His people will satisfy and bring salvation.

That is why the message to the Ephesians is so graphic. God, through Christ, provided everything needed for our salvation. He created us, gave us free will and allows us the choice to be like His Son in Holiness and grace. We complete the image of God in us, when we strive to be like Him and we succeed.


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