Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word

Reflections

• Neither Amos nor Amaziah was put in an easy position. Sent from the Southern Kingdom of Judah to prophesy to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Amos spoke out against political and economic injustice, decrying Israel’s greed and warning them that God would punish them for their sins. Meanwhile, Amaziah rose to the position of high priest, where he had to speak on behalf of the king. Amos was a reluctant, but obedient prophet, staying true to God’s word. Amaziah was obedient as well, but to the king rather than to God. The king placed his will above God’s will, and Amaziah chose to obey him and reject God. Amos placed God’s will first, so he continued to denounce Israel in Bethel. It is not easy to be God’s voice in the world, but this is our calling.

• As you heard today’s second reading, you may have recognized a good many of the words and phrases. Many of them you also hear occasionally proclaimed at Mass. Scripture scholars tell us that these are not Paul’s words; rather these words were almost certainly drawn from liturgical prayers and hymns that were already in use by the time someone wrote them down in Paul’s name. These words have been used in our liturgies for nearly two thousand years. They have stood the test of time, for they are just as true today as they were then: out of love God destined us for adoption, Jesus redeemed us and lavishes us with his grace, God’s will is to bring together all things in Christ, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, we are called respond with praise and thanks to God.

• Jesus does not make it easy on his disciples. He sends them out in pairs, each with nothing but a walking stick and the tunic and sandals they are wearing. No money, no food, no change of clothes, none of their belongings. Why? Why would he make them dependent upon the kindness of strangers, folks in fact who were being commanded to repent? No, he was teaching them to be dependent on God. After all, Jesus had none of these things himself as he traveled throughout Galilee and Judea preaching, teaching, and healing. Now he gives the Twelve the authority to do so themselves and sends them on their mission. Today he gives us that mission.

Question of the Week

Can I accept the challenge the Twelve did? What “unclean spirits” do I see that I can try to drive out? For what do I see myself calling for repentance? To whom can I bring healing?

-from Pastoral Patterns

LISTEN HERE to the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, July 14, 2024

SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, July 14, 2024

The Sunday offerings are a portion of our blessings that we give to God (Church) in gratitude to what God has done for us...ONLINE GIVING OPTIONS