Walking with Jesus: 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time B

For Sunday, July 14, 2024

Amos 7:12-15, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:7-13

Do you remember what it was like when we were young and in competition with friends and classmates for a specific “job?” It could have been a sports team, club, or leadership position. What did it feel like when we succeeded? Joyful? Being regarded as special? Reality set in when we started our “position.” What was it like for the apostles who were chosen and sent out by Jesus on a special mission? What about those who were not chosen? We never hear about them. The ones chosen had no training and probably no indication that they would be doing this work. How would they preach — perform miracles — control the pull and push of the crowds? How could they answer the countless religious questions about God, Jesus, the kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven, the prophets and those chosen before them to be missionaries and disciples of God? Were they excited? Scared? Considering bowing out? Afraid of confrontations with religious authorities, teachers and rabbis? They were not well educated; were they afraid to “respond” and “perform?”

We might think, “I just cannot place myself in a situation like that of a brand-new apostle.” Today's readings show us the prophetic ministry and the kind of people who are called to it. The readings all proclaim that we are the ones who are to continue this ministry in our time. The point is that — once again — God chooses ordinary people and confers upon them an extraordinary responsibility to take care of and lead His people to our heavenly eternity. So we look to the readings for examples and models to help us be Jesus to others.

Amos has been preaching in Bethel, an important cultic site that features a golden calf — a supreme act of apostasy rejecting God as God. Amaziah is the priest at this site and wonders if Amos is a prophet who favors those who pay for his services. Amos insists he is a “… shepherd and a dresser of sycamores” whom God has liberated to perform the dangerous task of preaching in places like Bethel. It seems that Amaziah recognizes Amos’ special gifts; he just doesn't want Amos to use them at his shrine. Bethel is the royal sanctuary: All the preaching there depends on conforming to the king’s wishes. Amaziah doesn’t want Amos there and God commands Amos to be there. So we reflect on this question: Why has God created me to be here at this time, in this place? God doesn’t do things for no reason. He has a reason. Do I ever ask God about this?

Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians by emphasizing God’s plan which the Church is to announce: All are called and chosen to be “whole and without blemish before Him” [Mark 1:4]. God is calling us in the same manner that He called the Israelites out of Egypt for the creation of the Promised Land: Israel. He has an even larger plan which will “… sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth”[Mark 1:4]. So the Church is not just a collection of individuals but a people chosen and called by God to be holy, determined, and lead all to God in heaven. Each of us has a role not only to lead the people to God but to be people of God … to be Christ’s love in the world … to take care of the hurting and those in need of tangible human touches of God. Do I view myself being a missionary? A social worker? A food pantry provider? What is my call to any and all of the above at various times? The point is that salvation in Christ is not an afterthought; it is in God’s plan from the beginning … and I’m part of that plan. You are too!

In the early verses of Mark we see an account of the first missionary undertaking of the Twelve. They are given specific details of what to take with them and how to act, since they are acting with the authority of Jesus to drive out unclean spirits. They are now participating in the ministry of Jesus with the very power of Jesus. Imagine being one of them, holding your hands over a blind, crippled person … touching them … putting sacred oil on them, and they are healed … right there on the spot. The apostles are not receiving any money; they're not dressed to go into fine places. They are to accept all hospitality. Jesus prepares them for rejection and failure. There is no guarantee that the message of Jesus and His love will be received; they're to continue on the journey with Jesus’ love to show that love. They are on a mission that Mark announced at the beginning of Jesus’ Galilean Ministry: “After John (the Baptist) had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” [Mark 1:14-15].

Lord, help me to reflect on the honor and privilege You give me each day to praise You for your gifts, goodness and love, and trust me and give me Your help through Your grace to love the difficult, the needy and all Your creation. Thank You and help me. Amen.

So I reflect on:

• Amos worked on being a shepherd and caretaker of sycamore’s small fruits. I have different occupations. These have prepared me for God’s call; I reflect on this.
• I read about the prophets in Scripture. I look at the people who have been a type of prophet to me: How have they pointed me to God’s love and Jesus’ teaching of love?

Sacred Space 2024 states:

“The Twelve had a mission to accomplish, calling people to repentance. Lord, may we rely on You to give us what we need to continue Your work on earth.

“Jesus ordered them to go forth without being weighed down by external possessions. We pray for wisdom to reduce the amount of internal and external baggage that we carry with us.”