Amos 8 : 4-6, 9-12 / Matthew 9 : 9-13
Any society can be generally divided into three classes - the upper class, the middle class and the lower class.
As much as the upper and middle classes have their importance, it is the lower class that forms the hands and feet of society.
Without the lower class and its contribution to society, then the economy and even the utility system will come to a standstill.
For example, when the menial workers go on strike, nobody else seem to be willing to clear the garbage or the other messy jobs.
In the 1st reading, the prophet Amos warned about trampling and cheating the poor and the lower class.
He warned that this not only destroyed the bond and fabric of society, it also stirs up God's anger.
Because God is fiercely protective of the poor, the lonely and the needy.
We may say that we do not do injustice to the poor or exploit the needy.
But how about our acts of omission towards the poor, the lonely or the needy.
Do we simply ignore them and think that their welfare is none of our concern?
Also, our self-righteous attitude may have proclaimed a silent judgment on others.
In the gospel, Jesus said that it is mercy that counts and not sacrifice.
That mercy is found in charity and helping the poor and the needy.