1st Reading Amos 7:10-17
Psalm Ps. 19:8.9.10.11 (R. 10b)
Gospel Matthew 9:1-8
Reactions to injustices often take the form of violence on the part of the individual(s) being attacked. The utter of truth may tend to suffer malice for speaking reality.
Today's first reading portrays a similar situation in which Amaziah, the High Priest, seeks to stop Amos from prophesying. This is a society in which the people have shown disregard for God and injustice prevails even among the religious elites. Amaziah knows that Amos' prophesies will come true with disastrous consequences. Meanwhile, Amos goes on to say what he was given to say.
Again, Amos was accused of prophesying for bread, for money (v. 12). This means that Amos is a prophet by profession. Amos replied by stating his wealth for which he does not prophesy as a profession. He is herdsman and a dresser of sycamores (v. 14). Amos condemns the public worship and this act would have been upsetting the populace whose offerings gave Amaziah a luxurious life. This reflects the self-centeredness of Amaziah.
Amaziah felt being attacked by Amos' prophesies.
Society today is not so different from the society Amos addresses together with Amaziah, the high priest. With the desire to amass wealth and feel comfortable at the expense of others, people may react like Amaziah wanting to drive away those who say the truth and create uncomfortable situations.
Whenever we react like Amaziah we create a lot of siphoning conditions in which we suppress good instead of promoting it. Talents are hidden because of envy on the part of those in the hem of affairs. Truths are not accepted yet the truth must be said. Truth is a latecomer but comes at the appropriate time.
Be ever ready to also accept corrections when wrongs are pointed out. This will lead to a total liberation of multitudes.
Pax et Bonum
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