Today's lessons tell the stories of Amos and John the Baptist. Amos was exiled from his home country because he dared speak God's word to the people. John the Baptist was imprisoned and later beheaded because he was spreading the word of God's redemption. In modern times, we don't face quite as dire consequences for spreading God's truth and desire for his people to live in peace, but it can be daunting. We need to remember that Jesus is with us and helping us speak every word of peace.