July 14, Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Amos 7:12-15; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:7-13
The readings of the 15th Sunday of the ordinary time remind us the importance of listening to God’s word and responding to His call in faith. Amos is told by God to prophesy to the Israelites, warning them of their impending judgment if they do not turn back to God. Amos is hesitant initially but ultimately obeys God’s call. In the Gospel, Jesus sends out his disciples to preach and heal, just as he has been doing.
He gives them a commission to serve others and to carry out His Missons. St. Paul tells us in the second reading that as children of God, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places and have been chosen to be part of God’s family.
In reality, we are all children of God but God chooses a few for His mission as prophets, Judges, Apostles, disciples, bishops, priests, missionaries and etc. In obedience to His invitation, we become Partakers in His mission, a great responsibility is given to us, strength and courage is offered to serve. While listening to His words, we become children of God, while obeying, we become disciples, and while accomplishing His mission, we receive every spiritual blessing and heavenly place and reward.
In disobedience, our relationship with God is broken and we go away from His presence. When we shut our ears and unwilling to listen Him, we lose all the spiritual blessings and reward. We don’t receive any grave punishment from God but we lose all the goodness, that becomes a state to bother and punishment.
Believing in the providence, total dependence, willing to sacrifice one’s life, being prepared for the mission, and obedience are some qualities expected of the disciples. Obedience is not just about doing what is right, but about living out our faith in a way that honours God. Disciples by their life and ministry honoured God’s name. as Christians, we are invited to do the same in our life.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: Abraham, Prophets, Mary, Apostles and etc., followed God in humble obedience. Like them, let us surrender ourselves to follow Him.
May we be inspired by Amos’ example of obedience and service, and may we be blessed by God’s presence in our lives. Amen.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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