PREPARE TO MEET YOUR GOD…

 
1 Amos 3:1-8;4:11-23 this word that the LORD has spoken against you, O people of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up out of the land of Egypt:2 “You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.
3 “Do two walk together, unless they have made an appointment?4 Does a lion roar in the forest, when he has no prey? Does a young lion cry out from his den, if he has taken nothing?5 Does a bird fall in a snare on the earth, when there is no trap for it? Does a snare spring up from the ground, when it has taken nothing?
6 Is a trumpet blown in a city, and the people are not afraid? Does evil befall a city, unless the LORD has done it?
7 Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.8 The lion has roared; who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken; who can but prophesy?”

11 “I overthrew some of you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were as a brand plucked out of the burning; yet you did not return to me,” says the LORD.12 “Therefore thus I will do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel!”

Matthew 8:23-27 

23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him.24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep.25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save, Lord; we are perishing.”
26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

MEDITATION

THE FIRST READING: Since it appear that the Israelites have forgotten about their miraculous escape from Egypt, Amos present a number of self evident scenarios (vv3-6) to demonstrate that not unlike animals, each action of nature and man have consequences that may be fatal or lifegiving and rewarding. 

Amos warn the Isaelites that their failure to reconcile with the Lord will be as disasterous as what happened at Sodom and Gomorrah,moreover they will perish as by fire! 

THE GOSPEL READING: During a hefty  storm, the disciples were overcome with fear notwithstanding Christs presence in the boat! Our Lord is somewhat bemused that the faith of these devoted men have not matured to the extent that they did not even consider or attempt to command the storm to subside. 

When our lives are being tossed about by natural or cosmic events, that we humans cannot temper, that’s when the measure of our faith in God are truly tested! However, when we indulge in sin and evil, actions or behavior patterns that are disordered and sinful, that’s when we must be prepared to meet the wrath of God, because disordered evil actions invites dire consequences! 

LET US PRAY: Psalms 5:4-8 RSV-CE

4 For thou art not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not sojourn with thee.5 The boastful may not stand before thy eyes; thou hatest all evildoers.
6 Thou destroyest those who speak lies; the LORD abhors bloodthirsty and deceitful men.
7 But I through the abundance of thy steadfast love will enter thy house, I will worship toward thy holy temple in the fear of thee.8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of my enemies; make thy way straight before me.

Commentary. Henry R SYLVESTER Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast days