THE PROPHETS CROSS AND THE APOSTLES’ TASK
Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch
Scripture Readings: Amos 7:12-15; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:7-13
Amos was a prophet during the 8th century BCE, a time of relative peace and prosperity in the Northern Kingdom of Israel under King Jeroboam II. Despite the external stability, Israel faced internal corruption, social injustice, and religious hypocrisy (a similar situation in many African countries). Amos, originally a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees from the southern kingdom of Judah, was called by God to prophesy against Israel’s complacency and moral decay. His message was stark and uncompromising, denouncing the exploitation of the poor and the superficial religiosity of the people.
As a result, Amos’s prophecy was met with strong resistance, particularly from Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, who represented the religious establishment of the Northern Kingdom. Amaziah dismissed Amos’s warnings and reported him to King Jeroboam II, accusing him of conspiracy. In today’s first reading, we find Amaziah asking Amos to leave their kingdom. The action of Amaziah points to how people often react defensively or hostilely to uncomfortable truths, preferring to silence or dismiss the messenger rather than confront their own failings. The passage teaches us the value of humility and openness in receiving God’s message, even when it challenges our current beliefs or practices. Like Amos, we must learn to be remain true to our conviction and committed to God’s mission even in the face of rejection and adversity.
The call of Amos reminds us that God can call anyone, regardless of their status. Despite being a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees, Amos was called to be God’s prophet. Like Amos, we may feel unqualified for the tasks God sets before us. However, God’s call is not based on our qualifications but on his purpose and power. That is why St Paul in the second reading reminds us that we are chosen, redeemed, and blessed in Christ. This identity gives us the confidence to pursue our mission with assurance of God’s favor and provision.
In the gospel reading, we find Jesus sending out the Twelve on a mission just as Amos was sent out by God in the first reading. They are to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick - no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were to rely entirely on God’s provision and the hospitality of those they met. The Apostles had to leave behind their security and trust that God would provide for their needs and guide their steps. What this teaches us is that God’s mission requires faith, simplicity, and a willingness to be vulnerable.
Lastly, God’s mission demands a commitment to serve others. Despite facing opposition, especially from Amaziah the priest of Bethel who rejected his prophecy, Amos remained steadfast, demonstrating that serving God’s mission often involves confronting uncomfortable truths (Amos 7:12-15). Similarly, the sending out of the Twelve (Mark 6:7-13) shows that true commitment to God’s mission requires courage, humility, and a readiness to place the well-being of others above personal comfort. Both Amos and the Apostles teach us that fulfilling God’s mission is not about seeking personal gain but about faithfully serving others, even in the face of rejection and hardship.
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