+ Monday: Amos Introduction +
Amos is one of the minor prophetic books in the Old Testament.
Written by: Amos, a shepherd and fig tree farmer.
Written for: Israel.
At the time of: Jeroboam the second – unrighteous king of Northern Israel.
Main Focus: Proclaiming the judgement of Israel for their corruption, neglect of the poor and idol worship.
Watch an overview of Amos at https://youtu.be/mGgWaPGpGz4
Contemplation
“Amos’ book of prophecy is a roar of the Lion from Zion. It starts by terrifying chastisements: fire burning up palaces, destroying strongholds, and scattering the inhabitants, whether of the Jews or of the Gentiles; Yet not to leave the destructed ruins with no dwellers, *but to open wide the doors of hope, by the end of the prophecy*. In the place of the palaces,_ “on that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David which has fallen down, and repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of olds”, He will dwell in its midst, and “all the gentiles are called by His name” _(Amos 9:11,12). *He breaks down, and builds up; He uproots and plants; He destroys the old man, to set the new man in us instead!* That is the roar of the Lion from Zion, His voice from the Holy Jerusalem.”
+ Fr Tadros Malaty
Personal Reflection
Let us pray before beginning this book that we come with an open heart, and allow the Lord, as we near the end of lent, to uproot the old in us, and plant and set the new in us, so that we may be filled with the hope and joy of His resurrection.