Scripture:
Amos 8:4-6, 9-12
Matthew 9:9-13
Reflection:
Yes, days are coming, says the Lord GOD,
when I will send famine upon the land:
Not a famine of bread, or thirst for water,
but for hearing the word of the LORD. -Amos 8:9
Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners. -Matthew 9:13
Today’s readings have some pointed words for those merchants who seek excessive profits. And in a very prophetic statement, Amos speaks of those sellers who “will diminish the containers for measuring.” Who of us has not gone into the store only to find our favorite box of cereal or laundry detergent packaged in a “new, space-saving container,” supposedly for our convenience, that offers us less product for the same (or greater!) price? The news seems filled with stories of profit being prioritized over people’s well-being. Amos goes on with some dire predictions of what the consequences will be. The greatest of these is the famine for “hearing the word of the Lord.” It’s as if when we forget to care for each other, we slowly slip away from our connection to God.
In the gospel, Jesus reminds us of the line from Hosea: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” This was directed at the Pharisees who were well known for being fastidious regarding their prayers, sacrifices, and performance of prescribed rituals. And yet, this is not God’s desire. While our prayer life is very important to our growth as Christians, it is there to support us in doing what God wants us to do: love one another, show mercy, welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, and clothe the naked.
Finally, we have these hopeful words from Jesus. After the Pharisees call Him to task for including sinners in His ministry, He assures them that that’s why He is here. We are all included in God’s plan, both sinners and saints. All that is desired of us is that we turn away from that which keeps us from God, as Matthew did, and follow Jesus on the Way.
My prayer today is that I learn to recognize those things in myself that keep me from fully entering into communion with God, and that I make a concerted effort to put them behind me.
Talib Huff is a retired teacher and a member of the retreat team at Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center in Citrus Heights, California. You can contact him at [email protected].