In the first reading, Amos tells of his simple background. He was once a shepherd and tree dresser. But he discerns that God asks him to follow a new vocation - ‘Go, prophesy to my people.' With God on his side, Amos is free to go wherever God's people are and prophesy to them. He preaches briefly, with fine, rural imagery to the Israel living amid wealth, corruption, perversion of justice and external religion.

In the gospel reading, Jesus missions the Twelve to proclaim repentance and to cure. Jesus sends them out in pairs - ‘in pairs' is a sign of equal partnership, companionship and mutual support. They are to witness poverty and simplicity - ‘a spare tunic' symbolises excess. Jesus instructs them to respect others' way of living and be concerned about people's needs. Let's not think that Jesus is training back-packer, house-hopping, globe-trotting missionaries. Jesus teaches something more important. That is: "Stay … until you leave." When to stay and when to leave? Stay, when there are welcome and receptive ears for the Good News; otherwise, leave and don't look back.