First Reading - Amos 7:10-17
Gospel - Matthew 9:1-8
A young teacher once said, "The hardest part of telling the truth is not knowing what to say. The hardest part is having the courage to say it when people don't want to hear it."
That is exactly what we find in today's readings. Both Amos and Jesus speak the truth with courage. Their words and actions challenge people, and not everyone welcomes them. Yet they remain faithful to the mission God has given them.
The first reading introduces us to an interesting encounter between the prophet Amos and Amaziah, the priest of Bethel.
Amaziah tells Amos to leave. In effect, he says, "Go back to Judah. Earn your living there. Don't come here with your message."
Why? Because Amos was speaking uncomfortable truths. He was calling the people to repentance and warning them that they could not continue living unjustly while expecting God's blessings. His message disturbed those who were comfortable with the way things were.
Amos' reply is both humble and powerful. He says, "I was no prophet, nor the son of a prophet. I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees. But the Lord took me... and said, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'"
In other words, Amos is saying, "I didn't choose this mission. God chose me."
That is often how God works. He calls ordinary people and entrusts them with extraordinary responsibilities. He is not looking for the most qualified person; He is looking for someone willing to listen and obey.
The Gospel presents another powerful moment in the ministry of Jesus.
Some people bring to Him a man who is paralyzed. Looking at the man, Jesus says something unexpected: "Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven."
The people probably expected Jesus to heal the man's body immediately. Instead, Jesus first heals what cannot be seen—the man's relationship with God.
This surprises the scribes. They accuse Jesus of blasphemy because only God can forgive sins.
Knowing their thoughts, Jesus asks them, "Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or 'Rise and walk'?"
Then, to show that He truly has authority to forgive sins, He tells the paralytic, "Rise, pick up your mat, and go home."
And the man does exactly that.
The miracle teaches us something important. Jesus cares not only about our physical needs but also about our spiritual wounds. Sometimes we focus so much on what is happening around us that we forget what is happening within us.
We pray for good health, success, and solutions to our problems—and rightly so. But perhaps our deepest need is to experience God's forgiveness, healing, and peace.
When Jesus forgives, He does not simply erase sin. He restores dignity. He gives people a new beginning.
If we look closely, both readings are really about responding to God's call.
Amos responds by courageously proclaiming God's message, even when it is unpopular.
The paralytic responds by trusting Jesus completely. He allows himself to be healed, forgiven, and transformed.
The people who carried him also teach us something. They brought their friend to Jesus because they believed Jesus could help him. What a beautiful image of Christian community! Sometimes faith means carrying someone else—through our prayers, our encouragement, our presence, or simply by refusing to give up on them.
Dear friends, today's readings invite us to reflect on three simple questions.
First, do I have the courage of Amos? Am I willing to remain faithful to the truth, even when it is inconvenient or unpopular?
Second, do I believe that Jesus can heal not only my outward struggles but also the hidden wounds of my heart?
And finally, am I helping others come closer to Christ, just as the friends carried the paralytic to Jesus?
As we celebrate this Eucharist, let us remember that God still calls ordinary people to do His work. He still forgives those who come to Him with humble hearts. And He still gives new strength to those who trust in Him.
May we have the courage of Amos, the faith of the paralytic and his friends, and the confidence to place our lives in the hands of Jesus, who has the power to forgive, to heal, and to make all things new.
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