Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
The words of the prophet Amos are much like Jesus’ statement, “To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away” (Matt 13:12). The Lord proclaims through his prophet that much has been expected of the Israelites because they have received much (that is, they have a special covenant with the Lord) but that covenantal love will be taken away from them because they themselves have not practiced love for one another. The people had grown slack in their faith and, in particular, were taking advantage of each other for economic gain, cheating in their business dealings and extorting the poor in their need.
The Israelites were an enslaved people in Egypt when the Lord took pity on them and led them into freedom and the Promised Land. Forgetting the lowly state from which they came, the people now see themselves as powerful and entitled to whatever they can attain, regardless of what it costs the poor. Now, through Amos, the Lord is reminding the people of their former lowly state and declaring a reckoning for their mistreatment of those whom the Lord shows pity. Pride will always blind us to God’s love and leads us to mistreat those who should receive our care.
Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections