Take Nothing for the Journey for God’s Providence is Real

07-11-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp

In the first reading, God invites Amos to go and prophesy to His chosen people. Amos was never a prophet or known to belong to the lineage of prophets. He was only a shepherd tending his sheep and a wood cutter, but from this humble job God called him to serve His people as a prophet. In the same way, God can call any of us from whatever our duty may be to serve as a prophet or in any other capacity among the people of God. It may also happen, that in our Christian journey, we might be called upon to accept challenges that we feel ill-equipped to take on. In whichever situation, God is always there to support us in any responsibility He calls us to do.

Besides, Amaziah the false prophet in today’s reading was worried about the prophecy of Amos because Amos spoke truth to the kings and people unlike himself who only spoke what the kings and people wanted to hear. His words were motivated by what he would get from his preaching and as such preached only what the kings and people would love to hear. Just like in our own days today, there are many false prophets who claim to speak in the name of God but they are only speaking to impress the people and preach what the people would like to hear. The true prophets like Amos and the apostles speak what God has told them to speak which may be hard at times to take. Their preaching may challenge our way of living or make us reflect about our comfort zones which we are not ready to give up. However, God’s words remains what it is; to purify, admonish, to inspire and to bring us closer to God.

Furthermore, there is a strong connection between the call of Amos in the first reading and the twelve that were sent out by Jesus. We may not possess any special credentials to become God’s prophets except to answer His call with discernment and allow Him to lead us through. God may be calling us for a particular purpose in His church and when we respond positively He would supply whatever is needed to do His work. As you read this reflection today, ask yourself a personal question, is there any place God is calling you to serve in His parish church or community. The only thing you need is to say yes and make yourself available and He would supply whatever you feel you lack and grace you with the Holy Spirit. Mark further states that the apostles were sent out two by two with a strict instruction not to take anything for the journey. The simple reason for such instruction is for the apostles to rely on God’s providence. Whenever we resign ourselves to God’s providence He would always provide for us; He does not fail. The apostles later gave testimonies of God’s providence in their lives and so shall we give our own testimonies when we completely rely on God’s providence and stop unnecessary worries that do not add anything to our lives. The last point is the need to free ourselves of a lot of baggage that may constitute as obstacles in answering the call of God. When one travels light the easier it is for one to board the airplane but with so many suitcases and pieces of luggage the more challenging it is for the person to board the plane. In the same way, when we rid ourselves of so many things the easier it is to respond to the call of God.

Finally, they are to travel in pairs, with respect for the Jewish tradition that requires that the validity of witness must be verified by at least two people. It is equally a way of teaching us about collaborative ministry working with others in the Lord’s vineyard. Jesus does not want to carry out His mission alone but to have collaborators in his mission. I wish you a blessed Sunday and God’s abundant blessing upon you.

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