Greetings on this the Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Am 8:4-6, 9-12; Ps 119:2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131; Mt 9:9-13
Finding Nemo
Which means finding Nobody. The experience is to feel as though we are a nobody. Search everywhere and finding nothing and nobody. All is vanity.
Summary
In our first reading today the Prophet Amos warns us about acting unjustly to our neighbors, especially the poor and powerless. Amos is not alone in his warning, Isaiah and Jeremiah make similar warnings. But in today’s portion a deeper worry. They shall stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east In search of the word of the LORD, but they shall not find it (Am 8:12).
Having diverted our attention to all the wrong things, we can actually lose sight of the right things. Inside a nascent urge or wonder if there is ‘something more’ or ‘someone more’ or ‘more than this’. But when we search for God, he cannot be found because we are looking for love in all the wrong places and in all the wrong faces.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvDbOH5z8mY
The prophet Amos warns of this, as does Isaiah, Jeremiah and even the gospel of John summarizes it well: You will look for me but not find me, and where I am you cannot come (Jn 7:34). Cross reference: Is 55:6; Jer 29:13; Am 5:4–6; 8:12; Jn 7:34.
Reflection
Here is the truth. In all our taking and cheating, in all our finding self, defining life and discovering ‘who I am’. We find Nemo.
Nobody. Nothing.
That doesn’t mean we are nothing or a nobody. It means all our ambitions, alliances, acquisitions and advantages we are left holding nothing of consequence. Then we search again using the same point of reference and enter a gilded misery. What we seek is what we get.
Personal Reflection
In today’s gospel portion, Jesus takes a specific tactic to help us overcome the spiritual blindness we suffer. He said, Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.
GO AND LEARN
How do we learn mercy and not sacrifice? Things to do:
- Pray daily.
- Read the gospels.
- You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God (Mi 6:8).
NOT THIS WAY: https://www.ncronline.org/news/usccb-announces-major-layoffs-department-focused-social-justice
Sacred Scripture
Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070524.cfm
First Reading
Yes, days are coming, says the Lord GOD, when I will send famine upon the land: Not a famine of bread, or thirst for water, but for hearing the word of the LORD. Then shall they wander from sea to sea and rove from the north to the east In search of the word of the LORD, but they shall not find it.
Responsorial
One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Gospel Acclamation
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.
Gospel
Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry