25 September 2022 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Alas for those who are at ease in Zion,
and for those who feel secure on Mount Samaria,
the notables of the first of the nations,
to whom the house of Israel resorts!

From Amos 6:1,4-7, NRSV

The prophet Amos warns those of his time who were living lives of contented luxury whilst others lived in poverty. Sadly, the world in which we live is still divided, with increasing numbers of people – including those who work as well as those for whom there is no paid employment – classed as living in poverty. In the face of so much need, we may feel powerless, yet without the actions of each person, this is a situation that will not change. Amos was calling the people of his time to step outside of their comfortable lives and to respond to the needs of others – perhaps that would also be his message to us today.

• • Why do you think Amos was called to speak these words?
  • Who is the voice for the poor in our own times?

Be aware of the situations in which you may be called to step “beyond your comfort zone” to support others.