Embracing Justice, Joy, and Radical Inclusion
Today’s readings invite us to delve into profound themes that resonate with our lives and call us to a deeper connection with God and one another. In Amos 8:4-6, 9-12, we hear a powerful condemnation of social injustice and a prophetic vision of divine judgment, urging us to live righteously. Psalm 119:2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131 echoes with a passionate longing for God’s commandments, guiding us towards joy and fulfillment through faithfulness. In Matthew 9:9-13, we witness Jesus’ radical inclusion and mercy as He calls Matthew, a despised tax collector, to follow Him and dines with sinners, breaking social barriers to extend God’s grace to all. These readings collectively challenge us to embrace justice, seek God’s wisdom, and embody Christ’s inclusive love.
First Reading – Amos 8: 4-6, 9-12
Embracing Justice and Seeking God’s Word
The Book of Amos, part of the twelve Minor Prophets in the Old Testament, presents a compelling narrative of social justice and divine judgment. Amos, a humble shepherd and sycamore fig farmer from Judah, was called by God to prophesy against the northern kingdom of Israel during King Jeroboam II’s reign. Despite the kingdom’s outward prosperity, it was plagued by social injustices, religious hypocrisy, and moral decay. Amos’s prophecies focus on condemning these injustices and urging the people to repent and return to God’s ways.
Amos 8: 4-6, 9-12 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
4 Hear this, you that trample on the needy,
and bring to ruin the poor of the land,
5 saying, “When will the new moon be over
so that we may sell grain;
and the sabbath,
so that we may offer wheat for sale?
We will make the ephah small and the shekel great,
and practice deceit with false balances,
6 buying the poor for silver
and the needy for a pair of sandals,
and selling the sweepings of the wheat.”9 On that day, says the Lord God,
I will make the sun go down at noon,
and darken the earth in broad daylight.
10 I will turn your feasts into mourning,
and all your songs into lamentation;
I will bring sackcloth on all loins,
and baldness on every head;
I will make it like the mourning for an only son,
and the end of it like a bitter day.11 The time is surely coming, says the Lord God,
when I will send a famine on the land;
not a famine of bread, or a thirst for water,
but of hearing the words of the Lord.
12 They shall wander from sea to sea,
and from north to east;
they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord,
but they shall not find it.
Exegesis of Amos 8: 4-6, 9-12
4 Hear this, you that trample on the needy,
and bring to ruin the poor of the land,
5 saying, “When will the new moon be over
so that we may sell grain;
and the sabbath,
so that we may offer wheat for sale?
We will make the ephah small and the shekel great,
and practice deceit with false balances,
6 buying the poor for silver
and the needy for a pair of sandals,
and selling the sweepings of the wheat.”
In these verses, Amos delivers a scathing rebuke to those who exploit the poor and needy. The merchants are impatient for the religious festivals to end so they can continue their dishonest trading practices. By making the “ephah” (a unit of measure) small and the “shekel” (a unit of currency) great, they cheat their customers with false measures, highlighting a systemic injustice in commerce.
This condemnation resonates deeply with the teachings of St. John Chrysostom, a Church Father known for his eloquence on social justice. He emphasized that true worship of God is reflected in justice and mercy towards others. “If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice“ (St. John Chrysostom).
9 On that day, says the Lord God,
I will make the sun go down at noon,
and darken the earth in broad daylight.
10 I will turn your feasts into mourning,
and all your songs into lamentation;
I will bring sackcloth on all loins,
and baldness on every head;
I will make it like the mourning for an only son,
and the end of it like a bitter day.
11 The time is surely coming, says the Lord God,
when I will send a famine on the land;
not a famine of bread, or a thirst for water,
but of hearing the words of the Lord.
12 They shall wander from sea to sea,
and from north to east;
they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord,
but they shall not find it.
Amos shifts to a prophetic vision of divine judgment. The imagery of the sun going down at noon and the earth darkening symbolizes a complete reversal of the natural order, indicating catastrophic events. This passage foretells a time of intense mourning and lamentation, akin to the grief experienced over the loss of an only son, which in ancient times signified the loss of one’s legacy and future hope.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes the necessity of justice and social teachings, stating, “The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society” (CCC 2419). Amos’s warnings serve as a timeless call to uphold these values.
The prophecy of a “famine…of hearing the words of the Lord” is particularly striking. It underscores the dire consequence of ignoring God’s commandments and teachings. St. Augustine often spoke of the deep yearning for God’s word and presence as essential for spiritual sustenance. “Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in Thee” (St. Augustine, Confessions).
Theological Implications and Historical Context
- Prophetic Condemnation of Injustice: Amos’s words are a powerful reminder of the Biblical mandate for justice. This theme is echoed throughout Church teachings and the writings of the Church Fathers. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “There exists among men a certain solidarity by virtue of which they are all responsible for all” (CCC 1939). The injustices condemned by Amos highlight the collective responsibility to care for the poor and marginalized.
- Divine Judgment: The vivid imagery of cosmic disturbances and intense mourning serves as a stark warning of the consequences of persistent sin and injustice. Historically, Israel did face significant upheaval and exile, which the prophets like Amos had foretold.
- Spiritual Famine: The notion of a famine of God’s word underscores the critical importance of remaining faithful to God’s teachings. Ignatian spirituality, with its emphasis on discernment and finding God in all things, aligns with the need to continually seek and adhere to divine guidance.
Conclusion
Amos 8:4-6, 9-12 challenges us to reflect on our own practices and attitudes towards justice and righteousness. The condemnation of exploitation and the prophetic vision of divine judgment remind us of the critical importance of living according to God’s commandments. This passage calls us to a deeper commitment to justice, compassion, and fidelity to God’s word.
Reflection
As we meditate on Amos’s message, let us examine our own lives for areas where we may be failing to uphold justice and righteousness. Are we attentive to the needs of the poor and marginalized? Do we seek God’s word earnestly, or do we risk a spiritual famine through neglect? Let us pray for the grace to live justly, seek wisdom, and remain steadfast in our pursuit of God’s truth.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119: 2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131
Discovering Joy an Purpose
Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, stands as a beautiful acrostic poem celebrating the Torah, God’s divine law. This Psalm is a deep meditation on the beauty and power of living according to God’s commandments. The selected verses (2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131) capture the psalmist’s profound devotion and longing for God’s decrees, offering timeless wisdom for a fulfilling life.
Psalm 119: 2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
2 Happy are those who keep his decrees,
who seek him with their whole heart,
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
do not let me stray from your commandments.
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your ordinances at all times.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your ordinances before me.
40 See, I have longed for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life.
131 With open mouth I pant,
because I long for your commandments.
Exegesis of Psalm 119: 2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131
2 “Happy are those who keep his decrees, who seek him with their whole heart.”
True happiness comes from wholeheartedly following God’s commandments. This echoes the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), which teaches that “The moral life is a response to the Lord’s loving initiative” (CCC 2062). Living in alignment with divine law brings a deep sense of joy and fulfillment.
10 “With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments.”
This verse underscores the importance of sincere devotion. St. Augustine, in his Confessions, speaks of this whole-hearted seeking of God, highlighting that our hearts are restless until they rest in Him. It’s a reminder to stay committed to God’s path, even when we feel vulnerable.
20 “My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times.”
This verse captures an intense spiritual and emotional desire for God’s laws. The CCC states, “The desire for God is written in the human heart” (CCC 27). The psalmist’s longing illustrates our innate need for divine guidance and the fulfillment it brings.
30 “I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your ordinances before me.”
Choosing faithfulness is a conscious decision to live by God’s will. This aligns with Ignatian spirituality, which emphasizes discernment and intentional living. The psalmist’s commitment reflects a life oriented towards divine truth and righteousness.
40 “See, I have longed for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life.”
This longing for God’s precepts and the request for life through righteousness highlights the life-giving nature of divine law. St. Thomas Aquinas, in his Summa Theologica, teaches that true happiness is found in a virtuous life aligned with God’s eternal law (ST I-II, Q. 3, Art. 8). Righteousness, indeed, is the source of true life.
131 “With open mouth I pant, because I long for your commandments.”
The imagery of panting with an open mouth conveys a deep, almost physical thirst for God’s commandments. This intense expression of desire underscores a profound need for divine guidance. It echoes St. Augustine’s teachings on the deep hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness.
Theological Implications and Historical Context
- Devotion to God’s Law: Psalm 119 emphasizes the importance of devotion to God’s law. The CCC teaches that the law is a gift from God that leads to a life of happiness and peace (CCC 2057). The psalmist’s love for God’s commandments reflects a life intertwined with divine wisdom.
- The Role of the Heart in Faith: Seeking God with the whole heart aligns with biblical teachings on the necessity of a sincere and undivided heart. Jesus taught the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all your heart (Matthew 22:37, Deuteronomy 6:5).
- Longing for Righteousness: The psalmist’s intense longing is a reminder of our inherent desire for God. The CCC states, “Man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself” (CCC 27). This longing for divine precepts reflects the soul’s search for ultimate truth and fulfillment.
Spiritual Discipline and Commitment: The psalmist’s commitment to following God’s ordinances speaks to the discipline required in a faithful life. Ignatian spirituality, which emphasizes discernment and intentional living, resonates with this dedication to God’s laws.
Conclusion
Psalm 119:2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131 invites us to deeply reflect on our relationship with God’s commandments. It challenges us to seek God with our whole hearts, long fervently for His guidance, and commit ourselves to His path. This passage calls us to a deeper love for God’s law, recognizing it as the true source of life and righteousness.
Reflection
As we meditate on these verses from Psalm 119, let’s examine our own hearts. Do we seek God’s commandments with the same fervor and devotion? Are we committed to living a life of faithfulness and righteousness? Let us pray for the grace to deepen our love for God’s law, find joy in His decrees, and align our lives fully with His divine will.
Holy Gospel – Matthew 9: 9-13
Embracing Radical Inclusion
Today’s Holy Gospel, Matthew 9:9-13, recounts the transformative call of Matthew, the tax collector, to follow Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This passage highlights Jesus’ mission to reach out to those marginalized by society, challenging the prevailing social and religious norms of His time.
Matthew 9:9-13 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
The Call of Matthew
9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.
10 And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”
Exegesis of Matthew 9:9-13
9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.
This verse marks the calling of Matthew, also known as Levi, a tax collector. Tax collectors were generally despised by Jewish society for collaborating with the Roman authorities and often engaging in corrupt practices. Despite this, Jesus calls Matthew to be one of his disciples. The immediate response of Matthew—getting up and following Jesus—demonstrates the transformative power of Jesus’ call. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) emphasizes that “God calls each one by name” (CCC 2158), highlighting the personal nature of God’s call to each individual, regardless of their past.
10 And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus’ act of dining with tax collectors and sinners is significant. In Jewish culture, sharing a meal was a sign of fellowship and acceptance. By eating with those considered socially and religiously unclean, Jesus breaks down barriers and shows that His mission includes reaching out to those marginalized by society. The Pharisees’ question reveals their misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission and their adherence to strict purity laws. According to St. John Chrysostom, Jesus’ actions demonstrate that “virtue is more clearly manifested not by standing aloof from sinners, but in their midst” (Homilies on Matthew, Homily 30).
12 But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”
Jesus’ response to the Pharisees is profound. By likening himself to a physician who attends to the sick, Jesus underscores the purpose of His mission—to heal and restore sinners. The quotation, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” comes from Hosea 6:6 and emphasizes that God values compassion and mercy over ritualistic observance. The CCC states, “The Gospel is the revelation in Jesus Christ of God’s mercy to sinners” (CCC 1846). Jesus’ mission is not to affirm self-righteousness but to extend God’s grace to those in need of repentance and transformation.
Theological Implications and Historical Context
- Mercy Over Sacrifice: Jesus’ quotation from Hosea 6:6 highlights the centrality of mercy in God’s relationship with humanity. This aligns with the Church’s teaching that true worship of God involves acts of mercy and compassion. The CCC explains, “God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor and rebukes those who turn away from them” (CCC 2443).
- Call to Conversion: The calling of Matthew, a tax collector, illustrates the inclusive nature of Jesus’ call. This event shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. St. Augustine, reflecting on his own conversion, noted, “Late have I loved you, Beauty so old and so new, late have I loved you!” (Confessions, Book X, Chapter 27). Like Matthew, Augustine’s life was transformed by responding to God’s call.
- Role of Community: Jesus’ act of dining with tax collectors and sinners challenges the social norms of His time, emphasizing the importance of community and inclusivity in the Kingdom of God. Ignatian spirituality encourages discernment and the seeking of God’s presence in all people and situations, aligning with Jesus’ example of engaging with those on the margins.
- Historical Context: Tax collectors were seen as traitors and sinners in Jewish society, yet Jesus chose Matthew to be an apostle. This choice would have been scandalous and counter-cultural, highlighting the radical nature of Jesus’ ministry. Historically, this passage has been a cornerstone in understanding the Church’s mission to reach out to all people, especially the marginalized.
Conclusion
Matthew 9:9-13 provides a powerful narrative of Jesus’ call to Matthew and His interaction with tax collectors and sinners. This passage challenges us to reflect on the nature of mercy, the inclusivity of God’s call, and the mission of the Church to reach out to the marginalized. As we meditate on this text, let us consider how we can embody Jesus’ example of mercy and inclusivity in our own lives.
Reflection
Reflecting on this passage, we are called to examine our attitudes towards those society considers outsiders. Are we, like Jesus, willing to extend mercy and compassion to all, regardless of their past? Let us pray for the grace to follow Jesus’ example, seeking to bring His healing and love to everyone we encounter. May we be instruments of God’s mercy in a world in desperate need of His love.
In a world where doubt and skepticism often challenge our faith, Matthew’s story serves as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that questioning is part of the journey, but ultimately, faith calls us to trust in the unseen and the testimony of those who have gone before us. Let this passage inspire you to deepen your faith, embrace your doubts, and find peace in the presence of Christ.
Reflecting God’s Justice, Joy, and Mercy
As we contemplate today’s readings, we see a harmonious call to live justly, seek divine wisdom, and embrace radical inclusion. In Amos 8:4-6, 9-12, we are confronted with a powerful message about social justice and the dire consequences of neglecting God’s commandments. Psalm 119:2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131 resonates with a deep longing for God’s law, guiding us toward joy and fulfillment through wholehearted devotion. In Matthew 9:9-13, we witness Jesus extending His call to Matthew, a tax collector, and demonstrating His mission of mercy by dining with sinners. These themes invite us to reflect on how we can embody these principles in our lives. Let us strive to deepen our faith, seek God’s wisdom earnestly, and extend Christ’s inclusive love to all.
Please share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below. Here are a few questions to consider:
- How can you, like Amos, stand up against social injustices in your community?
- In what ways can you integrate a heartfelt devotion to God’s commandments into your daily life, inspired by Psalm 119?
- What steps can you take to follow Jesus’ example of radical inclusion and mercy as seen in the call of Matthew?
Let us support each other in our faith journey, always striving to do everything with love, as our Lord Jesus did.
Holy Manna! 
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