Amos was a rugged individualist. He was certainly in line with the great prophets of yore but he stressed that he did not belong to any particular school. He was convinced that he was personally commissioned to recall the religious leaders and ordinary people to their loyalty to God. As a result of his repeated criticism he was banished from the shrine at Bethel which was an important religious centre.

Amos warned the people that disaster would certainly fall on them if they remained unfaithful to God. He suggested, however, that since God was a loving God, suffering and divine punishment could lead them back to repentance. Nothing can separate us from the love of God - not even sin.

In the Gospel Jesus forgives sins and cures a grave illness. There is no suggestion that they are connected. Despite a slight difference in outlook Amos would undoubtedly feel at home in the company of Jesus. In Jesus he would have met someone willing to confront us with our sins. At the very least suffering and illness give us pause. In such a way God can recall us from our sins.