The readings meet you in the ordinary place where faith is practiced. Stay with what Jesus says or does here, and let it ask for one honest response.
Today’s readings
First Reading
Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12
Hear this word that the LORD has spoken against you, children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up out of the land of Egypt, saying: "I have only chosen you of all the families of the earth. Therefore I will punish you for all of your sins." Do two walk together, unless they have agreed? Will a lion roar in the thicket, when he has no prey? Does a young lion cry out of his den, if he has caught nothing? Can a bird fall in a trap on the earth, where no snare is set for him? Does a snare spring up from the ground, when there is nothing to catch? Does the trumpet alarm sound in a city, without the people being afraid? Does evil happen to a city, and the LORD hasn't done it? Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, unless he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets. The lion has roared. Who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken. Who can but prophesy? "I have overthrown some of you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a burning stick plucked out of the fire; yet you haven't returned to me," says the LORD. "Therefore I will do this to you, Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, Israel.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 5:5-6, 7, 8
The arrogant will not stand in your sight. You hate all workers of iniquity. You will destroy those who speak lies. The LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. But as for me, in the abundance of your loving kindness I will come into your house. I will bow toward your holy temple in reverence of you. Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way straight before my face.
Gospel
Matthew 8:23-27
When he got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves; but he was asleep. The disciples came to him and woke him up, saying, "Save us, Lord! We are dying!" He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm. The men marveled, saying, "What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"
A question for your journal
What line from today's readings do you want to carry into one ordinary hour?
Scripture text: World English Bible Catholic Edition, public domain. Reading citations are prepared for Come Aside from MIT-licensed citation metadata.
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