Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Amos 2:6-10.13-16; Matthew 8:18-22)
Today’s first reading marks the beginning of a long stretch
of readings from the writing prophets.
These men raised red flags when Israel strayed from the covenant God
made with Moses. Because both northern
and southern kingdoms didn’t take heed, both experienced military defeat and
national exile.
Amos came from Juda to preach in the northern kingdom called
Israel or Samaria. He focused largely on
the social injustice during the eighth century before Christ. As the reading indicates, people were being
sold into slavery for paltry sums. Other
social atrocities included the usurer’s keeping the poor person’s garment and orgies
in the temples of foreign gods.
Amos reminds us of the need to work for a world where the
poor retain human dignity. The obligation
falls on everyone. We should not only
respect the poor but also contribute to their support. Governments have a role, but private
organizations and individuals often meet human needs more effectively.
