Saint Who?
Saints Who Worked in Agriculture
Saint Amos
Prophet († c. 750 b.c.) Feast: June 15
The book of Amos is one of the oldest of the prophetic books. Its eponymous author, a contemporary of Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah, was born in the kingdom of Judah. He lived in Tekoa, near Bethlehem, a region known for its olive oil production. His writing testifies directly and indirectly to his familiarity with agriculture.
I am not a prophet, nor do I belong to a company of prophets. I am a herdsman and a dresser of sycamores (Am 7:14). While this may mean that Amos was a humble workman, he may instead have been a wealthy rancher. According to the latter interpretation, he had financial independence and could clearly distance himself from the “professional” prophets of his time, who were likely more embroiled in religious politics.
Either way, Amos received a powerful and direct call from God. He preached repentance to the prosperous and morally decadent kingdom of Israel. Although Amos foretold destruction, his words also contained a promise of hope: I will restore my people Israel,/ they shall rebuild and inhabit their ruined cities,/ Plant vineyards and drink the wine,/ set out gardens and eat the fruits./ I will plant them upon their own ground;/ never again shall they be plucked/ From the land I have given them (Am 9:14-15).
Almighty Father, may your people heed
the call to repentance and receive
your promised blessings.
