THE PROPHET AMOS PROCLAIMS OUR NEED TO BE AVAILABLE TO GOD............

The First Reading from Sacred Scripture we hear proclaimed on this 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time, is from the Book of Amos in the Old Testament, Amos 7:12-15.  In this brief passage Amos carries out the prophetic mission entrusted to him, despite any unreadiness or inabilities he personally possessed.  Amos  lived during the 8th Century Before Christ, and before becoming a minor prophet, was a sheepherder and sycamore tree farmer.  Thrusting our focus forward nearly three thousand years later, we come to a person of the 20th Century After Christ, who had a ferocious stammer that affected his ability to communicate effectively; even though he was a prince thrust on to the world stage by his brother's abdication into becoming George VI, King of England, during the pivotal international crisis World War II.  If sheepherder-farmer Amos was challenged to effectively rise to fulfilling the mission of one of God's Prophets, then it can be argued that the unintended sovereign George VI, who rose above his stammer and found the self confidence to carry out his kingly duties and lift the spirits of the British people and the allied nations of Europe during an intense period of bombardment, also carried out a prophetic mission.  The key to how and why the Prophet Amos and King George VI, succeeded in prevailing over their personal shortcomings or less than ideal attributes, was their willingness to be "Available" to God's Call, and the circumstances of human history.  Their availability to affirmatively respond to accepting and meeting what was required of them in responding to the needs of the Israelites in the pre Christian era; and on behalf of the British people and free world during World War II; despite and beyond any limitations - is what enabled them to succeed.  Our own 'availability' to God and others, which we encounter and interact with daily; will also enable us to fulfill the mission of service intended for us in carrying out the common good.  Baptized in Christ Jesus we bear the responsibility in Living Faith, to evangelize and bring the Good News to others in our spheres of influence, despite our own anxieties or misgivings, because we choose to be available when the opportunity arises.  May this 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time provide you the time to pray and ponder on just how God's Call is summoning you to be available now............Fr.  Troy