First Reading - Amos 7:10-17
Gospel - Matthew 9:1-8
The first reading demonstrates the lack of faith of Amaziah and Jeroboam, the king of Israel, in the prophecy of Amos. The distrust of Amaziah and the king in the prophecy of Amos is seen in the words of Amaziah, who sends him back to Judah and recommends him to earn his living there rather than preach repentance and the fall of Israel. However, Amos confirms that the message he is proclaiming is from God and certifies that by showing that he doesn't draw his lineage from any prophet but had a humble job before his call. He further asserts that it's the Lord who called him to become a prophet for Himself. Therefore, Amos tries to ascertain the authenticity of his message. Nevertheless, everything falls on deaf ears. Ultimately, lack of faith and distrust prevail in Amaziah and the king.
The gospel of the day draws our attention to the expression of faith of the people who brought the paralytic to Jesus, believing that He is able to heal the man. Their expression of faith is commendable. It was their faith that made Jesus forgive the sins of the paralytic and restore his health. This scene presents a beautiful expression of faith by the people who brought the paralytic.
Dear friends, we have learned many ways of expressing our faith; our going to church and participation in the Eucharist and other sacraments and paraliturgical celebrations are expressions of faith, as are our family prayers at home. However, there is a danger of falling into a monotony of life without proper disposition. In the first reading, we find a lack of disposition in Amaziah and the king of Israel to recognize the message of God in the words of Amos. It's because their faith became a mere monotonous act in their false worship to God. In the gospel, the people genuinely and with confidence in the power of Jesus expressed their faith by bringing the paralytic to Him. In our turn, let our expression of faith in Jesus not become routine or monotonous but genuine expressions of our faith in Him, so that the expressions of faith will bring reward from God, as received by the paralytic. Let's be prompt to discern the message of God. Certainly, our deep faith is a way to do so.
Let's never shirk from praying for the needy and the sick in faith and trust, as the power of intercession is evident in the men who brought the paralytic. Our prayers for others, offered in faith, will certainly find mercy from God like the expression of the intercession of the men found favor with Jesus in the healing of the paralytic.
May God enlighten our minds and hearts so that our faith may be strengthened in Him.
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