Readings: Amos 5:14-15, 21-24, Ps. 50:7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 16bc-17, Matthew 8:28-34
"What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” (Matthew 8:29)
Our first reading today explains the popular, yet very controversial quote that “the prayer of a sinner is an abomination in the sight of God.” Does God abhor the prayer of a sinner? If yes, then how do we explain the prayer of the tax collector in the parable of Jesus, who, without looking up to heaven, prayed? “God, be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:13).
In truth, God does not abhor the prayer of the sinner. When you are conscious of sin, be like Peter, who pleaded for mercy, not like Judas Iscariot, who ran off to hang himself. God will not reject your prayer when you have a humbled heart and a contrite spirit. Psalm 51:16-17 reads: “For you have no delight in sacrifice; if I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased. The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
If the prayer of a sinner is not an abomination to God, why do we hear these words from Amos in today’s First Reading? “I hate, I despise your festivals… even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon…” (Amos 5:21-24). God despises our festivals and burnt offerings when we are not sorry for our sins.
There is a difference between approaching God to plead for mercy and attempting to deceive (or bribe) God with an external display of holiness. In today’s First Reading, Amos teaches us that our offerings do not matter when we support injustice or despise righteousness. As a public official, if I steal money meant for the poor (injustice) and present it to the church as my tithe or seed offering, God will not accept it.
It annoys God when we sing melodiously and dance skilfully in church, yet return home to sin without remorse. It annoys God when we do not make any efforts to repent of our sins yet continue to make people around us believe we are holy. “Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps, I will not listen. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
On the last day, Jesus says, some will claim, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” But He will say, “I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!” (Luke 13:26-27). Do not be like those about whom Jesus said, “This people honours me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me.” (Matthew 15:8-9).
Offertories and donations are not sufficient to gain us salvation. In today’s Psalm, God questions us, “Were I hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness is mine.
Do I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? How can you recite my commandments, and take my covenant on your lips, you who despise correction, and cast my words behind you?”
In today’s Gospel passage, two demoniacs, upon sighting Jesus, immediately recognised His divinity. These demoniacs terrorised the area, but upon meeting Jesus, they surrendered. “Have you come to torment us before the time?” This encounter teaches us that there is more to reality than what meets the eye. Demons can possess human beings. This is another reason we must strive to avoid sin. Live so righteously that when confronted by evil spirits, they would immediately tremble in your presence.
Jesus showed mercy to the demoniacs by freeing them from their possession. This is a testimony of God’s superiority over evil spirits. It also reveals that human life is far more precious than that of lower animals. The herdsmen were more concerned about their economic loss than the freedom of men who were held captive by demons for years. They begged Jesus to leave. What are your priorities? To make money (which perishes) or to gain eternal salvation?
Let us pray: O God, who through the grace of adoption chose us to be children of light, grant, we pray, that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error but always be seen to stand in the bright light of truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of week 13 in Ordinary Time Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Amos 5:14-15, 21-24, Ps. 50:7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 16bc-17, Matthew 8:28-34)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu