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During the Korean War, a small village came under heavy artillery fire. When the smoke cleared, the pastor of the little parish sought the help of some American soldiers in restoring a statue of Christ that had fallen off its pedestal. Since the statue’s hands were gone, the soldiers planned to mold two new ones. The pastor, however, came up with a very meaningful suggestion: “Let’s leave the statue as it is and make a sign with these words, “Friend, lend me your hands.”
This theme of God working through the hands, feet, voice, and lives of everyday people is reflected throughout our readings today.
First up, we encounter the prophet Amos. To the people he was sent to serve, he was a nobody. Those in power, those he was called to challenge didn’t want to listen to a word he said. But why? This biblical Amos was a normal, everyday working man. He was not an expert! He was an arborist; which means he ran a tree service, specializing in Sycamores and also did some shepherding on the side. He lived in the Southern Kingdom of Judah, next to the border of the Northern Kingdom. Like so many working men and women, Amos didn’t play games; he called it like he saw it. He was not a politician or kisser of backsides. So, when he was called by God to be a prophet, he stuck out like a sore thumb. There were many professional prophets in his time, people who would prophesy for a fee. Many of them were in the service of the corrupt king and instead of challenging him to follow God’s laws, they constantly said whatever they thought would make the king happy and keep the peace. Amos wasn't part of that crowd. His prophecies were tough, challenging and clear on the need for repentance and reform. Amaziah, the leader of the false prophets, told Amos to stop talking and leave, because he was making people feel bad. But Amos said he had no choice. "The lion has roared, who will not fear? God has spoken, who can but prophesy?" So this ordinary man became the voice of God's truth because he was willing to share God’s message even if it was unpopular. Amos was the perfect prophet for his time because he was not captive to the king, corrupted by politics or seeking earthly favors. He knew the truth when he saw it and was courageous enough to speak it.
Fast forward to the gospel and the seemingly-terrible choices Jesus made in terms of personnel to go spread his gospel of freedom and repentance. Four were fishermen. One was a hated tax collector. One a political zealot. There was nothing expert or extraordinary about any of the twelve that Jesus sent out to preach, heal and expel demons. They were ordinary, mostly uneducated people, given instructions to conduct themselves like prophets, teachers, and healers. But because of their love for Jesus and his truth, the Word of God worked through them. They became his hands, his feet, his voice to a people that were lost, hurting, and wandering in darkness.
God wishes to work through everyday people, including us. There is a saying that God does not call the qualified but qualifies the ones He calls. In fact, no matter how talented or trained we are, we cannot be spiritually productive without the gift of God’s grace. Jesus asks us if will lend him our hands and hearts and promises to qualify each and every one of us to bring the saving message to those we encounter. We do not need a theological degree or priestly ordination to be his messenger and disciple. We simply need a love for the truth and a heart open to the grace of the Holy Spirit. Similar to Amos and the apostles, some of the best representatives of God have been the people the world sees as unqualified and inadequate.
Amos and the apostles serve as a reminder and an inspiration to all of us as followers of Christ. Most of us are not expert prophets, preachers, or healers by trade or training. If it were up to us, we would just go through life minding our own business and making ends meet. But as Christians, we have been given the challenge and privilege of proclaiming the truth and bringing Jesus to our time and our culture, no matter how foreign or unpopular that truth might be. Imagine the good that would follow if all Catholics stood up for the truth, completely and unapologetically. This is how Christ commissioned the Apostles in today's gospel and by our baptism, we have received the same mission.
Sadly, there will always be people who reject the message. Maybe some of us were in that group at one time We may have to move on and proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ to others, just as the disciples were told to move on when they were rejected. But don't stop praying for them. And be patient. Joy, happiness and the Presence of the Lord are contagious. Sometimes, it takes time for God’s grace to soften hearts. Most importantly, don’t be silent! Many people will hear the message clearer when it comes from you rather than from a priest or some other professional ‘prophet’. Because of your work, friendships, and human connections, you will have opportunities to bring God’s truth to people and places I simply can’t.
May we be like Amos and the apostles, proclaiming the truth of the Lord, in and out of season, whether it is popular or not. May we step up when God asks us, “Friend, lend me your hands” so that in this life, and more importantly, in the life to come, we may be truly and eternally blessed.
