An understanding of religion that is limited to rituals and offering of sacrifices but excludes morality and ethics would be skewed! This is what Micah communicates to the people in today’s first reading, as he echoes the words of the previous prophets. In a single verse, Micah summarizes Amos’ preaching on justice, Hosea’s examples of God’s tender love and Isaiah’s teaching on humble service, outlining the way of life or a spirituality that would be acceptable to God.

While Micah recounts how the signs from God, through which he liberated His people, were expressions of His love, the many signs seen in the healings and miracles of Jesus also bear witness to God’s love.

In both readings, it appears that the people wilfully chose to ignore God’s words and signs through His messengers, as this challenged them to change, for it was more convenient to offer a sacrifice than to change their lifestyle.