Amos 7:12-15 Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6:7-13
Many years ago, when I was studying for my Master’s Degree in Religious Education, one of my favorite courses was the course on the Biblical Prophets. Each prophet was unique, each one came with a specific message for the people, and each prophet endured hardships because the message they preached was not welcomed by many of the people to whom they spoke. That’s because these prophets often preached about social justice and they were all sent by God to try to convince a sinful people to change their ways and to follow God.
Among all the prophets, Amos was one of my favorites. He was a truth-teller who never minced words. He was keenly aware of how his people, the chosen ones of God, had strayed from the commandments that had been given to Moses on Mount Sinai. He was chosen by God to confront them, even going to the most influential among them, priests such as Amaziah, and challenging them to get to work and set the Israelites straight. As was the case with each of the prophets, Amos did not seek this difficult job. In fact, he really didn’t want to do it. However, he felt called by God to perform this sacred duty. He could not resist the call.
Fast forward to today’s passage from the Gospel of Mark, and we hear the story of Jesus summoning the twelve apostles. None of them were seeking a “job” as a missionary for Christianity. But God sought them out - and called them by name. They were compelled to answer. They knew in their hearts that they were being invited into the most important mission of their lifetimes. And they knew that, ultimately, there would be a price to pay. Most of them paid that price with their lives - martyred for the sake of the message of Christ.
As I mentioned in last week’s scripture reflection, the call to action - when it comes directly from God - is strong, and almost irresistible. However, God does give us the freedom to resist the call, if we choose to do so. More important is the fact that answering the call, with a resounding “yes” provides us the opportunity to grow ever closer to God and to God’s people. Generally speaking, that call has something to do with helping to restore justice and peace in a world that is broken and hurting. The call can be as simple as helping a person who is in need, or working as a volunteer for an organization that seeks to bring about justice, equality and love for those who are oppressed. We are all called by God, in one way or another, to help build the kingdom right here on earth. First, we must spend time in prayer discerning our call - what special thing we are being asked to do. Then we must accept the invitation from God and act upon it. Rest assured, it will be tough at times. However, the reward comes from the satisfaction we feel as we give witness to the goodness and the love that God has for ALL GOD’S PEOPLE…and as we embrace our role as loving creatures of our loving God!
by: Bill Miller
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