Wednesday, 2nd Week of Advnt

Amos 8:1-14
The Daily Office

In the Hebrew language, the words for "summer" and "end" sound very much alike. Amos plays on these two words in verse 1 to create the image of a nation ripe with self-satisfaction, yet also ripe for destruction.

And what an image! Dead bodies scattered as far as the eye can see; singing in the temple turned to screaming; the land trembling with earthquakes and drowned in floods. Worst of all, a "famine on the land—not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord." Suffering can be borne if there is at last some understanding or wisdom to be gained. But all understanding comes from God; and if God is silent, then how can this be endured?

No prophet is as unrelenting in condemnation as Amos. And yet, no prophet has been as inspirational in calling the people of God to justice, reconciliation and community. "We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until 'justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.'" So said the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in his "I have a dream" speech. Who was he quoting? Amos 5:24.

Amos spoke the word of God against injustice. Jesus came to a world steeped in oppression. In this Advent season, Jesus is coming into our hearts. We need to prepare our hearts for Jesus by opening the eyes of our hearts to the injustice around us. We may see that injustice in different places, and through different political perspectives. We need to respect those different visions, and we must also not fear to name the injustice we see. Courage and respect: both are needed this Advent season in our city, our state, our country and our world.