Scripture:
Reflection:
The Ongoing Call to Renewal and Healing
The ongoing human need for renewal, a change of heart, healing, freedom, and life… Today’s two Scripture readings challenge us to quality discipleship in the 21st Century—to follow the example of the ancient prophet Amos and our Lord and Savior Jesus, who want us all to be free from our “slavery,” our prejudices, and our illnesses of both mind and body.
The Old Testament prophet Amos was considered obnoxious by the people of his time because he preached the need of repentance, a change of heart. His words angered many leaders of his day, and his background as a shepherd and a “dresser of sycamores” gave him little credibility for the words he bravely spoke openly. Amos was living out his vocation, being called by God to speak the truth to his world gone awry. And he did!
The portrait of Jesus in the Gospel is that of a healer of a paralyzed man who had friends who brought him to Jesus, carrying him on a mat. Jesus cured the man because of their faith and went on to challenge those who questioned his authority and his background – they even accused him of blasphemy. Beyond Jesus’ human appearance lays His divinity…Jesus IS God in the flesh!
Amos and certainly Jesus reveal the all-embracing love of God for humanity. That love calls us to renewal and healing, to a faith-filled following of Jesus in all of life – both the “ups” and the “downs”. Today’s celebration of July 4th, America’s independence, encourages us to deeply reflect on our God-given gifts, to give thanks as we celebrate the blessings of life today and our hope for the future. And, both Amos and Jesus challenge us to look deep into our hearts, to embrace the challenge of actively addressing the injustice and violence and poverty that is evident today, to respond as faithful citizens to our sisters and brothers who share our “common home” both down the street and across the globe.
Let’s work together for renewal and healing, for a change of heart, for freedom and life! God is at work in our midst! God bless us all!
Fr. John Schork, C.P. serves as the Province Vocation Director and also as Local Superior of the Passionist Community of Holy Name in Houston, Texas.
