15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deacon Tim’s Column
7-12-09

On this 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time the readings deal with discipleship and faith. In the first reading from the Prophet Amos we have Amos being selected by the Lord as a prophet. The Land of Israel was split into two sections, the Kingdom of Israel in the north and the Kingdom of Judah in the south. It was from this southern kingdom that Amos was selected by the Lord to be his prophet and to preach in the Kingdom of Israel. The Kingdom of Israel at that time was ruled by Jeroboam and his chief priest was Amazaih. Amos had been called by God as a prophet (he had been a simple shepherd). In his wildest dreams Amos probably wouldn’t have guessed that he was going to be chosen as a prophet, especially to the Kingdom of Israel. Sometimes God selects the most unlikely and if anyone fit this description for an unlikely prophet it would have been Amos. The problem was that the Chief Priest Amaziah and the prophets of Israel were “yes men.” They told King Jeroboam what he wanted to hear and not the truth. Obviously that wasn’t what God wanted so he selected Amos to be his prophet (and that probably wasn’t what Amos would have wanted to hear either). Despite his reluctance God knew he could and would speak the truth even if it wasn’t what the King wanted to hear.
We’re faced with a not too different situation in the Gospel. Jesus sent the twelve out two by two to be missionaries. The only thing they could take was a walking stick and the clothes on their back – no food, no money, no pack on their back. Imagine what they must have thought. Today, the Jesuits do the same thing. Part of the formation of a Jesuit novice is to be given the task of leaving the Province and to go across country with no money and no plans. From conversations I’ve had with some of them, this is one of the harder parts of their formation (at least when they first start their journey, but also one of the most rewarding).
Jesus also gives words of caution. When you enter a house stay there until you leave, if you are not welcome, leave. Remember at this time and growing increasingly stronger there was a deep prejudice against this new religious sect. Both the Jews and Romans viewed them very suspiciously. The Jews thought they were blasphemers as well as a group that could upset status quo, and the Romans viewed them as a threat to the peace. This was the milieu that the Apostles found themselves thrust into.
Amos had great faith and dedication and so did the Apostles. When I look at the faith they displayed I feel very inadequate. I’m often reminded of the prayer “Oh God help me in my unbelief and strengthen my faith.”
Amos bucked the prevailing thought of telling the King just what he wanted to hear. The Apostles preached and their preaching was contrary to the attitudes of the time, both Jew and Gentile alike.
We’re in a position not too unlike Amos and the Apostles. What we preach—or at least what we should preach is for many in our society a ridiculous position. As Paul said, “For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”(1Cor.1:22-25)
We often find it easy not to follow the words of Jesus. For whatever reason we find ourselves in the person of the priest Amaziah and the false prophets, except, instead of telling the king what he wants to hear we tell ourselves what we want to hear. When you consider the Gospel message it is really quite simple. Jesus was very clear and concise (and definite) in his message. He never gave options nor did he ever make suggestions, he gave commands.
When Jesus sent the Apostles out he gave them a very specific mission to preach repentance, drive out demons and cure the sick. We’re just like the Apostles, sent by Christ for a task. Here are some questions to think about. When did Jesus send you out as an apostle? What mission is he giving you? What does it mean for you to be an apostle? How are you fulfilling your mission as his apostle? These are questions directed at all of us.
Peace and blessings to you and your families.
Deacon Tim 734-502-1818
deacontim@tds.net
http://shamrockdeacon.blogspot.com

DEACON TIM – ADDITIONAL AVAILABILITY
I’ll continue to be available on Wednesdays from 4p until 6:30p for anyone who wants to drop in and am also generally available after the 8a Mass Monday through Friday (9a – 10a) and before Tuesday evening devotions from 5p - 7:15p. I’m also available by appointment Monday through Friday from 9a until 6p (734-502-1818)