July 11, 2021

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Last Sunday we looked at the way in which Jesus functioned as a prophet in comparison to Ezekiel from the Old Testament and the ways in which they lacked recognition from people of Israel who refused to heed their messages. Today’s readings follow a similar pattern as we meet the prophet Amos in his prophetic role, as well as the disciples being sent on a journey by the Lord to bring the word of God to the surrounding territories. Once again, we hear a theme of rejection.

Unlike some of the other prophets of the Old Testament, like Elijah and Elisha who were members of a professional guild of prophets, Amos is an amateur prophet, a commoner working as a sheep breeder and tender of the fruit of sycamore trees. As such, Amos is not privy to the court with access to the king, like the prophet Isaiah would have been. Nonetheless, when he receives a vision from God, he dutifully stations himself in Bethel near the sanctuary and royal temple of King Jeroboam II of the Northern Kingdom to deliver his messages.

After pronouncing scathing retorts against the nations surrounding Israel, for aggression toward their neighbor, Amos then sends a warning to the southern kingdom of Judah for breaking the covenant with God through their worship of foreign idols. Finally, Amos sets his sights on his own nation, Israel, criticizing them for their affronts to social justice, having forgotten the fact that God had delivered them from their own oppression in Egypt.

In a series of summons and woes, Amos warns the upper-class people of Israel of the punishment they have earned for their sins: the oppression of and criminal activity against the poor. He is particularly harsh in his condemnation against the rich who mistreat debtors, sexually oppress slaves, and rob the Temple to pay the expense of lavish feasts

Although they present God with burnt and grain offerings, the Lord is said to despise their rituals, which are pointless without justice and righteousness. Amos warns of the repercussions, which will result should the wealthy maintain their insincere, elaborate worship, while failing to turn away from their wickedness. Because the people of Israel have become God’s enemies by refusing to heed the prophetic word, they will experience God’s fury.

All of this background brings us to the interlude that we hear in today’s First Reading from the book of Amos (Am. 7:12-15). Amaziah, the priest stationed at the temple in Bethel communicates with King Jeroboam II about the activity of Amos at the holy place and he pronounces a threat against Amos, “Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.” (Am. 7:12-13).

Of course, Amos defends himself, denying that the has been earning a living through prophesy, but merely acting as God’s humble servant, responding to the Lord’s command to warn the people of Israel. In the end he concludes with a series of visions prophesying the destruction of Israel on the infamous day of universal judgment, the “Day of the Lord.” Despite his lack of experience and professional training, Amos succeeds in bringing the truth of God’s word to the people.

In the gospel today the disciples find themselves much in the same position as Amos. They have been following Jesus back and forth across the Sea of Galilee and they have seen him perform numerous miracles. They have had very little instruction, only a few teachings mainly in the form of parables. And just recently they have witnessed Jesus being rejected in his own town of Nazareth as a prophet.

Now this early in their careers as disciples, Jesus has decided to send the Twelve out on a prophetic mission on their own to bring God’s word to the surrounding areas. As novices he gives them very specific instructions. Surprisingly, he tells them to take only a walking stick and nothing else for their journey – no food, no money sack, and only one tunic. He does, however, give them authority over unclean spirits, which suggests they can also depend on the grace of the Lord for other needs as well.

Jesus also tells them to rely on those to whom they preach for any necessities, probably so that their missionary trip will be quick and unencumbered. He says to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave” (Mk. 6:10). But he also warns them, “Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” (Mk. 6:11).

We are told that the Twelve preached repentance, drove out demons, and anointed and cured many who were sick. But we have no way of knowing if they were accepted and acknowledged everywhere they went or if there were some towns where they were met with resistance and disbelief. One would suspect that if Jesus, the Son of God, had been rejected in his own hometown of Nazareth, his disciples would also encounter the same type of treatment, especially considering the warning he had given them.

As members of the church, we are all called to be prophets, to spread the gospel message, whether it be through our words, our deeds and actions, or the way we treat other people. Many people will accept what we have to say or what we believe according to the teachings of the Church. But, of course, like Jesus and the other prophets we have read about, there will be many who reject and criticize us.

People will disagree with or even condemn us because we believe in the sanctity of life, thereby opposing abortion and capital punishment. They will reject us for speaking out in defense of human rights and the plight of the poor and oppressed. They will mock our Catholic traditions and practices, especially our belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. And they will laugh at our hope in the Resurrection.

But if Ezekiel, Amos, the disciples, and even Jesus could remain faithful under such circumstances, by the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit so can we. After all, remember what Jesus has promised us, “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Mt. 5:11-12).