13th Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Friday 5th July 2024

Amos is unlike any other prophet. Without fear, he claims that he is not a prophet but only a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. To the people, he prewarned a judgement that dishonesty among the rich landowners and merchants only make the poor become poorer. The poor are cheated and driven to slavery. These acts of dishonesty will not go unpunished. God will hold those who are dishonest accountable when the day of judgement comes. It is God, and not Israel, who will set the terms. God will decide when He will come and how He will judge Israel.

Jesus is unlike any other “holy man”. Without mincing words, He spoke directly to the Pharisees, “I did not come to call the virtuous, but sinners”. Jesus sets the terms of treating sinners and tax collectors. He shows special mercy to them. The Pharisees, however, are scandalised. They avoid table fellowship with those whom they consider “unclean” in order to maintain their ritual purity, sacrificing others for violating Mosaic laws. To them, Jesus is living in perpetual uncleanliness by mixing with “unclean” people. However, Jesus reminds them that God seeks mercy, not sacrifice.

Often, those who consider themselves “virtuous” tend to “project” their own terms on those whom they consider to be “sinners”. Today’s Scripture passages remind us that ultimately, what matters is not what man wants but rather, what God desires.

Lord, may I always seek what You desire in exercising my duties today.