When God Calls, Will You Listen?

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In today’s first reading, Amos says something surprising: “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets. I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.” In other words, Amos is saying, “I wasn’t trained for this. This wasn’t my career. This wasn’t my dream.” He was an ordinary man doing ordinary work. Then God called him. And everything changed.

Amaziah, the priest, didn’t like Amos’ message. He told him, “Go back home. Earn your living somewhere else.” In simple words, he was saying, “Stay in your lane. Stop talking about God.” But Amos answered with courage, “The Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'” Notice something beautiful. Amos never says, “I chose God.” He says, “God chose me.” That is how vocation works. Before we choose God, God has already chosen us. Before we speak to Him, He has already spoken to us. Before we begin searching for Him, He has already been searching for us.

And the same is true for every one of us. You may never stand in a pulpit and preach. You may never become a priest or a religious sister. But every baptized Christian has a mission. Parents are called to bring their children to Christ. Students are called to be honest and kind. Workers are called to bring integrity into their workplaces. Children are called to show hardwork and humility in schools. Our mission may look different, but the One who calls us is the same God.

Now let me ask you something. Have you ever felt unqualified? Have you ever thought, “God can’t use me. I don’t know enough. I’ve made too many mistakes.” If so, you’re in good company. Moses couldn’t speak well. Jeremiah thought he was too young. Peter denied Jesus. Paul persecuted Christians. Amos was just a shepherd. Yet God used every one of them. Because God is not looking for the most impressive person. He is looking for the most available person.

That is an important lesson for us. Sometimes we spend our lives waiting until we feel ready. God often says, “Come now, and I’ll help you grow along the way.”

Amos teaches us another lesson. Speaking God’s truth is not always popular. People applauded Amos when he cared for sheep. They opposed him when he spoke God’s word. The world still reacts the same way. It is easy to follow Jesus when everyone agrees. It is much harder when living the Gospel costs us friendships, popularity, or comfort. But faithfulness has never been measured by applause. It has always been measured by obedience.

Today, God may not be asking us to become prophets like Amos. But He is asking us to be faithful where we are. In our homes, workplaces, schools, even in our conversations.

Prayer: Lord, You called Amos from the fields, and You continue to call ordinary people today. Help me to hear Your voice above all the other voices that compete for my attention. Give me the courage to say “yes,” even when I feel unprepared or afraid. May my words, my choices, and my life lead others closer to You. Amen.

– Homily by Rev Fr Patrick Agbeko