Dear Parishioners, 

The responsorial psalm underlines virtues we should emulate. The Psalmist prays: Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. As we pray for the blessings of God on our land, may we be just, kind, and truthful.

Today’s first reading tells of the encounter between Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, and Amos. For a long time, the territory we call the Holy Land was divided between a northern kingdom called Israel and a southern kingdom known as Judah. In the northern kingdom, at Bethel, there was a very ancient shrine with several priests. They were cronies of King Jeroboam. They could not speak truth to power because that was where they earned their daily bread.

Amos, who was from Tekoa in the southern kingdom of Judah to Bethel, was sent by God to condemn the priests and the players of social injustice in the north. His preaching infuriated Amaziah, who told Amos: Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There, earn your bread by prophesying, but never again prophesy in Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple. Amos explained that he was a shepherd and dresser of sycamores. He had become a prophet only because God had sent him to deliver a message to Israel and its king. 

During baptism, when we were anointed with sacred chrism oil, the priest or deacon prayed: As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life. All of us are, therefore, prophets. We have been given responsibilities. How well are we playing our roles? Amos is an example for us.

Like Amos, let us all confront the social evils of our day by making a positive impact on our society. Sometimes, we are never prepared to rock the boat. But if our baptism makes us prophets of God, then we cannot but speak up, just as the prophets of old did. 

In the gospel, Jesus sent his apostles and gave them authority over unclean spirits…they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. May our efforts to preach the gospel be fruitful. 

The LORD bless you and keep you!

The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!

The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!

Fr. Akesseh