Fr Bernard writes…
15th Sunday Year B 15th July 2018
There is a beautiful phrase in the passage from Ephesians in which we are told, ‘Before the world was made he (God) chose us in Christ to be holy and spotless and to live through love in his presence…’ Amos is chosen by God for a specific task, namely to be a prophet in the Northern Kingdom which was enjoying a period of prosperity, but only a few were prosperous, and, at the expense of the majority. Amos denounced this exploitation and immorality and was told to go home, but he refused because he had been chosen and appointed not by himself or the King but by God. ‘I was a shepherd…but it was the Lord who took me from herding the flock, and the Lord who said, “Go prophesy to my people Israel.”’ In the Gospel the chosen Twelve are sent out in pairs ‘with authority over unclean spirits.’ They are to travel light and to expect both acceptance and rejection as they preach repentance, cast out devils and anoint many sick people with oil who are cured. What is true of Amos and of the Twelve is true of us, privileged to be ‘chosen in Christ’ to proclaim the Good News of God’s presence among us.
Next weekend we welcome Fr Frank Nolan Afr to preach an appeal on behalf of the White Fathers. Please see this week's newsletter for all details and timings, and further news and events.
