One phrase could summarize the Scripture readings for this Sunday: God’s call. Amos was called by God and sent by God to proclaim a message. St. Paul reminds the Ephesians that they are chosen by God. And St. Mark tells us of Jesus’ sending of the Twelve.
For Amos and the apostles, as they are called and sent, they must know who they are and who it is who calls them. Amos knew the Lord sent him. Amos also knew that he was a simple shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. The apostles were sent by Jesus; they came from varied walks of life.
The moral of these stories: God calls everyone no matter who they are or what their pasts were like. Sometimes it is hard to believe he’s called you and has given you a message or a task. Will you share his message and go where he sends you?
God knew before my conception where, when, and under what circumstances he would call me up. God needed someone with a long history of sins of the flesh. God needed someone who had firsthand knowledge of the false idol infection that plagued him for 50 years. God needed someone with a fire in their heart to share his truth of sin, repentance, and grace. God needed someone who would share the consequences of their past with others in hopes of saving them from this rampant plague. He needed ME. The oddly ironic fact is that if I had fixed or successfully hidden these sins on my own, I likely would never have received the call from God, and even if I had, who knows if I would have the strength or fire in my heart to accept the call?
Amen. :)
*** Praying for all of us in Hebrews 13:21, "May He equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever! Amen!" *** God equips those He calls according to His purpose in Romans 9:11-13, "But before they (were born, before they had done anything good or bad, she received a message from God. (This message shows that God chooses people according to His own purposes; He calls people, but not according to their good or bad works.) She (Rebekah) was told, “Your older son will serve your younger son. In the Words of the Scriptures, “I loved Jacob, but I rejected Esau.”" *** It is my expereince that God usually calls those who don't feel equipped...Abraham, Moses...Amos...Mary, Joseph, the 12 disciples, Paul...you and I...Why? So all will learn to trust God and grow our faith in Him!!! If God calls those who are already equipped/gifted, they may become conceited and claim the glory themselves!!! ******* The whole world seems to go crazy! But I am not shocked because He already told us that in 2 Timothy 3:1-9, read it here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2timothy/3 *** Amaziah, priest of Bethel, told Amos not to prophesy which was what God told him to do in Amos 7:12-13 *** Jesus told the disciples not take anything with them during their mission trips in Mark 6:8-11 *** How about you? Did God call you to somethings that makes no sense to you or others? Did someone tell you not to do this, say that or post this and that? ******* Ephesians 1:17-19, "I pray to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the glorious Father. I keep asking Him to give you (us) the wisdom and understanding that come from the Holy Spirit. I want you (us) to know God better. I pray that you (we) may understand more clearly. Then you (we) will know the hope God has chosen you (us) to receive. You (we) will know that what God will give His holy people is rich and glorious. And you (we) will know God’s great power. It can’t be compared with anything else. His power works for us who believe. It is the same mighty strength God showed!" Amen!!!
Amen :)
Please pray for our country. I thank God Donald Trump was not killed yesterday, for I believe there would have been rioting and bloodshed. God can always bring good out of evil. Perhaps this violence will at least lead us to turn down the hateful rhetoric that dominates politics these days.
Mission: "Lord, if your people need me, I will not refuse the work. Your will be done." St. Martin of Tours. "I want to live as He wishes &I want to serve Him as He likes, & nothing more." St. Rose Venerini
Thank you Father for today’s Reflection. I often wonder what His call is. Certainly not in the same category of Saint Therese of Lisieux, but I do identify the same feeling of littleness. I always loved her words about doing ordinary things in extraordinary ways. I’m easing in to believing that living in love with God and my faith speaks louder than words. Of course, I’m also still learning that I don’t need my whole closest, toiletries or hidden snacks to make my travels more comfortable. Although, this summer I seem to have packed more sandals than two feet could ever wear! Praying, praying hard, that our country will return to one nation under God.❣️
Thank you Father Edward! I needed to hear this today. Many of you have continued to pray for me with my work situation, which hopefully will come to some clarity / resolution in early August. Personally, I believe God has a plan for me and that will be revealed in this time. As Fr. Edward said, Lord help me to understand, and accept your call and mission for me. Great trip with my son. Just stopping in Maine and then on the way home tomorrow. Prayers for all those who posted about cancer diagnoses and treatments - may they have the courage and strength to walk that journey with God. Great news on Cass and on the return home and healing of Joan (I hope i have that name right). Lastly, prayers for healing of our country. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
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Sharing with you, “DAY TWELVE “We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth…” *** READ “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:13 *** REFLECT Peter encourages us to look forward to the promise of a new heaven and a new earth. Isaiah 65:17 and 66:22 reveal this same promise. In the new heaven and new earth, God’s perfect righteousness will prevail because God will dwell there with His people. God’s people will serve God and experience peace, purpose, joy, and satisfaction that will never cease. Our verse from 2 Peter promises a new heaven and new earth “where righteousness dwells.” We can pursue a life of righteousness today as we look forward to eternity. 2 Peter 3:14 continues, “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.” How do we do this? 2 Peter 3:18 gives us wisdom: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever! Amen.” *** PRAY Pray God’s Word back to Him from 2 Peter 3:18. Put the verse into your own prayer or use this prayer for inspiration: “Father God, help me to grow and in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Give me a hunger to know you more and seek you actively through your Word. You, Lord, deserve all praise and glory now and forevermore. Show me how to glorify you each and every day in specific ways.” ”