The Other Shore

Greetings on this the Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Am 2:6-10, 13-16; Ps 50:16bc-17, 18-19, 20-21, 22-23; Mt 8:18-22

Introduction

Contrast is the tool to describe the world of the one shore and the world of the other shore. We need to get in the boat with Jesus. Leave behind the wrong and do the good even when it costs us some comfort or honor.

The List of wrongs is lengthy

In our first reading today as well as our psalmist selection, it is clear that God is not fooled. The list of deliberate sins we make are rather lengthy and hard to own up to even as to read as a list.

Prophet Amos

• Sell a just man for Silver.
• Sell a poor man for a pair of sandals.
• Trample the head of the weak.
• Force the lowly out of the way (eminent domain).
• Son and Father visit prostitutes.
• Misuse things held in pledge.
• Drink the wine paid as fines but used to enrich the judge.

Responsorial Psalm

• Recite statues – yet you hate the discipline
• Walk with thieves
• Play the adulterer
• Speak all evil
• Trash mouth people

God is not fooled

Prophet Amos

• I [can] crush you into the ground

Responsorial Psalm

• I will correct you by drawing them up [sins] before your eyes.
• I [can] rend you and there be no one to rescue you.

Summary

Our first two readings are about right relation with our fellow humans. It is clear the Lord will not leave unpunished the worst of our doing against one another. Yet, he offers the pathway of redemption and renewal even still, even now.

In our gospel portion today the dividing line between discipleship and the World is even clearer.

• Follow me? The Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.
• Family Obligations? But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.

In no way is Jesus expecting you to ignore the obligations of life and family or forgo the right relations outlined in the Book of Amos and the Psalms. God forbid! But he is telling us the path of discipleship requires hard and difficult decisions that will on occasion deprive us of some natural good (a pillow for the head, the honor of family).

Reflection

Giving up naturally good things seems counter intuitive. They are there for our benefit after all. But the way of the gospel is one of denying self so that others may have a good life in this life and a good life in the eternal to come. Our journey is to the other shore. A place beyond the comforts of nature and family. A transcendent life.

Personal Reflection

I am on a path from this shore to the other shore. You are too. In the least we want to leave behind the errors Amos and the Psalmist warn us about. In the maximum we want to forgo even good things that others might enjoy the love of God. See the prayer from today (LOTH, Monday, Week I) I find most comforting.

Father,
may everything we do
begin with your inspiration
and continue with your saving help.
Let our work always find its origin in you
and through you reach completion.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Sacred Scripture

Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070124.cfm

First Reading

It was I who brought you up from the land of Egypt, and who led you through the desert for forty years, to occupy the land of the Amorites.

Responsorial

Remember this, you who never think of God.

Gospel Acclamation

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Gospel

Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry