REFLECTION:

One of the things I have come to appreciate in ministry is meeting people from every walk of life. Some have impressive résumés, advanced degrees, years of experience, or positions of leadership. Others quietly volunteer behind the scenes, never seeking recognition. Yet I have learned that when it comes to God's work, He is often less concerned about our credentials than He is about our willingness.

In today's first reading from Amos, the prophet makes it clear that he was not a professional prophet. He tells Amaziah, "I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees." In other words, Amos is saying, "This wasn't my career. This wasn't my plan." Yet the Lord took him from his ordinary work and said, "Go, prophesy to my people."

That simple word—Go—changed the course of Amos' life.

I wonder how many times we hesitate because we feel unqualified. We tell ourselves, "I'm not trained enough. I'm not holy enough. Someone else can do it better." Those thoughts can keep us from responding to God's invitation.

Throughout Scripture, God consistently chooses ordinary people. Moses struggled with speaking. David was the youngest shepherd boy. Peter was a fisherman. Mary was a young woman from an insignificant town. Their greatness did not come from extraordinary qualifications but from saying "yes" to God.

Perhaps God is saying "Go" to us today—not necessarily to another country or another career, but to something much closer. Go and forgive that person. Go and reconcile with a family member. Go and invite someone back to Mass. Go and volunteer in your parish. Go and mentor a young person. Go and speak a word of encouragement to someone who is struggling. God's call often begins with simple acts of faithfulness.

The question is not whether we are capable enough. The question is whether we trust that God can work through us.

I have often reminded our parish and school communities that God does not always call the qualified; He qualifies those He calls. When we rely on our own strength, we become anxious. When we rely on His grace, we become instruments through whom He can accomplish far more than we imagined.

Today, take a moment in prayer and simply ask: "Lord, where are You asking me to go?" Then, like Amos, have the courage to answer—not because you have all the qualifications, but because the One who calls you will also walk with you.