Threads of Divine Calling
Today’s readings invite us to recognize God’s presence in our everyday lives and our calling to live out our faith authentically. From Amos’ humble beginnings to the Psalmist’s hopeful praise, and Paul’s deep theological insights in Ephesians to Jesus sending out the disciples in the Gospel, these passages remind us that God’s work often begins in the ordinary, transforming it into the extraordinary.
First Reading -Amos 7:12-15
Called from the Fields: Amos’ Unexpected Mission
The Book of Amos is one of the earliest prophetic books, written in the 8th century BC during a time of prosperity for Israel. This prosperity masked significant social injustices and moral decay. Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree dresser from Tekoa, a village in Judah, is called by God to prophesy in the northern kingdom of Israel. His message confronts the complacency and corruption of the elite, advocating for justice and righteousness.
Amos 7:12-15 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
12 And Amaziah said to Amos, “O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, earn your bread there, and prophesy there; 13 but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom.”
14 Then Amos answered Amaziah, “I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees, 15 and the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’
Verse-by-Verse Exegesis
12 And Amaziah said to Amos, “O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, earn your bread there, and prophesy there;
Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, views Amos as a nuisance, challenging the religious and political establishment. By calling him a “seer,” Amaziah diminishes Amos’ divine calling, reducing him to a mere fortune-teller. His command to flee reflects a rejection of God’s message. The Ignatian Bible highlights the irony here, as Amaziah assumes Amos prophesies for monetary gain, missing the divine commission entirely.
13 but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom.”
Bethel was a major religious center, associated with the worship of God but also tainted by idolatry. Amaziah’s assertion that Bethel is the king’s sanctuary underscores the problematic fusion of political power and religious practice. This reflects the Church’s teaching on the danger of secular interference in spiritual matters (CCC 2242).
14 Then Amos answered Amaziah, “I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees,
Amos asserts his humble origins, emphasizing that his authority comes not from human institutions but directly from God. This humility echoes the sentiment found in many Church fathers’ writings, such as St. Augustine, who emphasized God’s preference for the humble and lowly.
15 and the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’
God’s call disrupts Amos’ ordinary life, transforming him into a prophet. This underscores the theme that God often calls the least likely individuals to fulfill His divine plans, as seen throughout salvation history. The Catechism reminds us that every vocation is a response to God’s initiative (CCC 1533).
Relevance Today
Amos’ story encourages us to recognize God’s call in our daily lives, no matter how ordinary we may feel. It challenges us to speak truth to power and to advocate for justice, embodying the courage and humility that Amos demonstrated. Like Amos, we are called to be instruments of God’s justice and mercy in our world.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 85:9-13
Harmony Restored: The Promise of God’s Presence
Psalm 85 is a prayer for restoration, likely composed after the return from Babylonian exile. It reflects a deep longing for God’s presence and favor, expressing hope for renewal and a return to righteousness. The Psalm interweaves themes of mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace, painting a picture of a restored relationship between God and His people.
Psalm 85:9-13 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
9 Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.10 Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
and righteousness will look down from the sky.
12 The Lord will give what is good,
and our land will yield its increase.
13 Righteousness will go before him,
and will make a path for his steps.
Verse-by-Verse Exegesis
9 Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.
The Psalmist expresses confidence in God’s salvation for those who revere Him. The fear of the Lord, as noted in the Catechism (CCC 2144), is a profound reverence and awe for God’s majesty. This verse calls believers to trust in God’s imminent salvation and His glorious presence.
10 Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
This poetic imagery portrays a harmonious world where divine virtues unite. St. Augustine interprets this as a prophecy of Christ, in whom love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace perfectly meet. This union points to the ultimate reconciliation in Christ (CCC 2305).
11 Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.
The imagery here is one of a fertile earth responding to divine favor. God’s righteousness looks down, and human faithfulness springs up, symbolizing a restored creation. This reflects the eschatological hope of a new heaven and a new earth (CCC 1042).
12 The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.
The Psalmist anticipates God’s blessings, reminding us of the bountiful gifts that flow from a righteous relationship with Him. This verse echoes the biblical theme of God’s provision and the fruitful response of His people (CCC 2828).
13 Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps.
This verse speaks of God’s righteous guidance, paving the way for His presence among His people. St. Thomas Aquinas notes that righteousness here is not just about legal adherence but living in accordance with God’s will, paving the way for divine encounter.
Relevance Today
Psalm 85 invites us to trust in God’s faithfulness and to seek His presence in our lives. It reminds us that living righteously brings about peace and blessings, encouraging us to foster a harmonious relationship with God and others. The virtues celebrated in this Psalm—love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace—are essential in our personal and communal lives.
Second Reading – Ephesians 1:3-14
Chosen and Blessed: Our Identity in Christ
Ephesians, attributed to St. Paul, is a profound theological letter emphasizing the unity of all things in Christ. Written to the early Christian community in Ephesus, it provides a vision of the Church as the body of Christ, richly blessed and chosen by God. This letter addresses themes of grace, redemption, and the mystery of God’s will.
Ephesians 1:3-14 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. 5 He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, 12 so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; 14 this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.
Verse-by-Verse Exegesis
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
Paul begins with a doxology, praising God for the spiritual blessings bestowed upon believers through Christ. This reflects the Church’s understanding of grace (CCC 1996). These blessings include divine election, redemption, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
4 just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love.
God’s eternal plan includes our sanctification through love. This aligns with the Church’s teaching on predestination and divine providence. “To God, all moments of time are present in their immediacy. When therefore he establishes his eternal plan of ‘predestination’, he includes in it each person’s free response to his grace” (CCC 600). The idea of being chosen before creation highlights the gratuitous nature of God’s call.
5 He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Through Christ, we are adopted into God’s family, a concept that highlights the transformative power of divine grace (CCC 1997). This adoption makes us heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, a central theme in Pauline theology.
6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
God’s grace is a gift, freely given and meant to evoke praise and gratitude. St. John Chrysostom emphasizes that this grace is not only a gift but a calling to live a life that reflects God’s glory.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace
Our redemption and forgiveness are made possible through Christ’s sacrificial love, emphasizing the centrality of the Paschal Mystery (CCC 613). This verse underscores the sacrificial and redemptive nature of Jesus’ mission.
8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight
God’s grace is abundant, providing us with wisdom and insight to understand His will. St. Thomas Aquinas notes that wisdom here refers to the knowledge of divine things, guiding us in our journey of faith.
9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ,
God’s plan, revealed in Christ, is a mystery now made known to us, calling us to live in alignment with His will. This mystery, hidden for ages, is now disclosed in the gospel (CCC 1066).
10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
God’s ultimate goal is the reconciliation and unity of all creation in Christ, reflecting the Church’s eschatological hope (CCC 1042). This verse encapsulates the cosmic scope of Christ’s redemptive work.
11 In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will,
Our inheritance in Christ is part of God’s sovereign plan, assuring us of our place in His kingdom. This inheritance includes eternal life and the fullness of God’s promises (CCC 1692).
12 so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.
Believers are called to live in a way that brings glory to God, reflecting our hope in Christ. This call to live for God’s glory is a central theme in Christian life and worship.
13 In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit;
Faith in the gospel marks believers with the Holy Spirit, sealing their identity in Christ (CCC 1296). The Holy Spirit serves as a guarantee of our redemption and an agent of sanctification.
14 this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.
The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our future redemption and inheritance, emphasizing the ongoing work of salvation (CCC 1316). This sealing by the Spirit assures us of our ultimate union with God.
Relevance Today
Ephesians 1 reminds us of our identity in Christ and the abundant blessings we receive as God’s children. It calls us to live with gratitude and purpose, recognizing the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives and looking forward to our eternal inheritance. This passage encourages us to see our lives as part of God’s grand narrative, filled with divine purpose and destiny.
Holy Gospel – Mark 6:7-13
Sent on a Mission: Empowered to Serve
The Gospel of Mark, likely the earliest written Gospel, focuses on Jesus’ actions and teachings. In this passage, Jesus sends out the Twelve Apostles on a mission, empowering them to carry out His work. This mission occurs within the broader context of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, where He performed miracles and taught about the Kingdom of God.
Mark 6:7-13 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
7 He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13 They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Verse-by-Verse Exegesis
7 He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.
Jesus’ sending of the Apostles in pairs reflects the communal nature of Christian mission. Their authority over unclean spirits signifies the power of God’s kingdom over evil. This delegation of authority is foundational for the Church’s understanding of apostolic succession and mission (CCC 857).
8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts;
Jesus’ instructions emphasize reliance on God’s providence and the simplicity of the missionary life. This echoes the Ignatian principle of “poverty of spirit,” trusting entirely in God’s provision.
9 but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics.
These minimal requirements highlight the urgency and focus of their mission. The simplicity of their dress also signifies their total dependence on God’s care.
10 He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place.
Staying in one place fosters deeper relationships and stability in their ministry. This instruction encourages forming genuine connections and being content with what is provided.
11 If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”
Shaking off the dust is a symbolic act of judgment, underscoring the seriousness of rejecting the gospel. This act reflects the Jewish custom of shaking off Gentile dust, now applied to those who reject the message of Christ.
12 So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent.
The core of their message is repentance, a call to turn back to God. This call to repentance is central to Jesus’ teaching and mission (CCC 1427).
13 They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Their ministry includes healing and deliverance, manifesting God’s kingdom through compassionate acts. Anointing with oil, a practice continued in the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, signifies God’s healing presence (CCC 1511).
Relevance Today
Jesus’ commissioning of the Apostles inspires us to embrace our own mission as disciples. We are called to trust in God’s provision, to live simply, and to boldly share the message of repentance and healing. This passage challenges us to consider how we can serve others and bring God’s love into our daily interactions.
Embracing Our Divine Callings
Today’s readings remind us that God’s work often begins in the ordinary and calls us to extraordinary faithfulness. Amos’ humble obedience, the Psalmist’s hopeful praise, Paul’s theological insights, and Jesus’ commissioning of the disciples all point to a life rooted in trust, humility, and active discipleship.
In our fast-paced and often uncertain world, these readings encourage us to listen for God’s call, trust in His provision, and step out in faith to serve others. Whether we are students, professionals, or caregivers, God invites us to participate in His redemptive work through simple acts of love, justice, and mercy.
Together, these readings paint a picture of a God who calls us from our ordinary lives to participate in His extraordinary mission. They remind us of the spiritual blessings we have in Christ, the hope of our inheritance, and the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us. As we go forth, let us embrace our calling with humility, trust in God’s provision, and commit to living out our faith in tangible ways.
Let’s deepen our faith and draw closer to God by embracing our unique callings and living out the gospel in our everyday lives. Reflect on how you can respond to God’s call with courage and humility, and share His love with those around you.
Engage with Us!
We invite you to share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below. How do these readings speak to you personally? How can you apply their lessons to your life today?
- Amos 7:12-15: How can you respond to God’s call in your life, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone?
- Psalm 85:9-13: In what ways can you cultivate faithfulness and righteousness in your daily actions?
- Ephesians 1:3-14: How do you experience the spiritual blessings mentioned by Paul in your own life?
- Mark 6:7-13: How can you trust in God’s provision and share His message of repentance and healing in your community?
Let’s support each other in our faith journey and strive to do everything with love, just as our Lord Jesus did. Your insights and experiences can encourage and uplift our community as we grow closer to God together.
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Holy Manna! 
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