Unfortunately, too often the American work ethic makes a connection between material success and being part of the elect. What we read in today’s scripture suggests that God may see things otherwise. In the first reading Amos makes clear that he is responding to God’s call rather than out of a desire for material gain. In today’s passage from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he considers the spiritual nature of God’s many gifts from the beginning and through Jesus. In the Gospel Jesus missions His apostles to go out with very simple means and spread His call for renewal.

Just proceeding today’s passage from the Old Testament, Amos relays a vision where God uses the image of a plumbline. Testing for plumb is a method to see if that which is standing is straight and true. If it is not it, it is time to tear it down and start over. The Northern Kingdom of Israel seems to be failing the test. I see Amaziah, the sanctuary priest, as appearing to be threatened by Amos’ warning to the kingdom and responding with accusations of Amos having a less than noble intent in making these statements. Fortune telling and prognostication were for-profit endeavors in Amos’ time as they are today. Amos makes clear that the origin of his role as a prophet is not a family business but a call from God.

I found today’s Gospel interesting on multiple levels. Although I have heard this passage many times, I had not connected that the apostles were being sent out during the public ministry of Jesus. For some reason, I had never mentally put the apostles in this role until after Pentecost. Similarly, I was familiar with Jesus’ direction to “shake the dust from their feet” where they were not accepted, but with my view again growing out of the time after Pentecost I was bothered by a thought that this could mean that they were only expected to continue to minister in welcoming venues. Indeed, in Mark’s Gospel Jesus has recently had a stop in his hometown where his ministry was not greeted with enthusiasm. If I imagine myself as an apostle being commissioned by Jesus at this point, I find myself apprehensive. I receive a charge from my charismatic leader, but I doubt my own abilities. Going forth, even with a partner, requires a certain courage. I am to live simply and required to trust in God for my well-being.

My prayer today considers humbly responding to God’s call.

Dear Lord,
The path of the American Dream may not be the path of a Divine Call.
Responding to Your call requires courage and gives no preferential option for the rich.
It entails trust that my existence is more than a random series of events.
It asks me to recognize the many natures of what I can call gifts.
I often call myself “lucky”, but I quickly realize the better word is “blessed”.
I ask Your help Heavenly Father trusting in You as I discern my path.