Word to the Wise
Wednesday, July 4, 2018 - Wednesday in the 13th Week in Ordinary Time
[Amos 5:14-15, 21-24 and Matt 8:28-34]But if you would offer me burnt offerings, then let justice surge like water, and goodness like an unfailing stream. [Amos]
WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 2018 WEDNESDAY IN THE THIRTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME [Independence Day - U.S.A.]
[Amos 5:14-15, 21-24 and Matthew 8:28-34. These are the readings of the Year II cycle. There are optional scriptures listed for Independence Day USA.]
I don't think the prophet Amos would be welcome at most July 4th celebrations in our country. He is one thundering, fist-shaking character. He went after the rulers and wealthy class of the Northern Kingdom (the part known as "Israel" in contrast to the part known as "Judah") and he spared no words. He denounced pious worship that was unaccompanied by justice for the poor and vulnerable of society. He made it clear that this was not his choice but the result of a call from being a shepherd and tree-trimmer ("dresser of sycamores"). [Amos 7:14]
Dramatic prophets who confront us with our faults and failings face the same resistance and push-back that Amos and the other great prophets experienced. Nationalism, the child of the Treaty of Wesphalia in 1648, became a religion all its own whose liturgy is called "patriotism." In the early days of our republic, Catholics were regarded as a kind of heretic to nationalism because of our allegiance to the Pope! We managed to overcome that prejudice and our churches display the American flag and the Vatican flag!
In the end, Amos' warning will prevail. Our political allegiances will not matter. Whether we were loyal Americans, loyal Chinese, loyal Brazilians, etc... will not be the criteria. It will be whether we (as nations or as individuals, "conservatives" or "liberals") gave food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, clothing to the naked, visited the sick and imprisoned, welcomed the stranger - all of whom represent Jesus. In our best moments, we Americans can do these things very well individually and collectively and can celebrate "the blessings of liberty" when we do. But those best moments need to increase considerably if we want to satisfy Amos! We can't say we haven't been warned. Lincoln's admonition to pay attention to "the better angels of our nature" and Emma Lazarus' poem on the Statue of Liberty can help us remember the gospel values that should motivate us. AMEN
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