This was not my idea

In today's first reading (Amos 7:12-15), Amos is persecuted for being a prophet.

Amos responds frankly (and with a hint of exasperation), essentially telling the king, "Look, this wasn't MY idea."

"I was no prophet,
nor have I belonged to a company of prophets;
I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.
The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me,
Go, prophesy to my people Israel."

Amos did not chose himself, God chose him.

It was not Amos' idea nor his own effort, it was the grace of God.

So also has God chosen us, as we hear in today's glorious second reading (Ephesians 1:3-14):

Blessed be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him,
before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.

In love he destined us
for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of his grace
that he granted us in the beloved.

In him we have redemption by his blood,
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches
of his grace that he lavished upon us.

In all wisdom and insight,
he has made known to us
the mystery of his will
in accord with his favor
that he set forth in him
as a plan for the fullness of times,
to sum up all things in Christ,
in heaven and on earth.

In him we were also chosen,
destined in accord with the purpose
of the One who accomplishes all things
according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,
we who first hoped in Christ.

In him you also,
who have heard the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation,
and have believed in him,
were sealed with the promised holy Spirit,
which is the first installment of our inheritance
toward redemption as God's possession,
to the praise of his glory.

As we strive to live out our vocations as Christians and express our faith, we may often be challenged by others, "Who are you to say what is right and wrong? Why can't you just change your ideas to fit in with the rest of us?"

We did not invent right and wrong. These are not our ideas. We did not make them up and we did not chose ourselves to be messengers.

The LORD took us from following the world's flock of sheep, and he said to us,
Go, prophesy...

As we hear in today's Psalm (Psalm 85:9-14):

I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD - for he proclaims peace.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.

Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.

The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and prepare the way of his steps.