Amos 8:4-7
Proper 20 (25) - Year C
Amos 8:4-7 or Jeremiah 8:18 - 9:1
O G*D, security plans are in place, preemption is the operating principle of the day, and we are not saved. We used to talk about all this in pastoral terms of harvests and summers, but we are urban now and just because some tomato pickers are unhappy with their pay and benefits doesn't mean you have to take their side against those of us who have acted in the same way you modeled for us - judgment and wrath first; questions second.
Yes, it's too bad they have to suffer, but suffering is redemptive, don't forget that. If we're going to have a souffle life a few eggs are going to have to be broken.
Life is hard enough to enjoy without you jumping all up and down about selling a bushel of flour a couple of cups short and being sure the minimum wage doesn't impact the ideal corporation's personal due.
You've overlook so much evil along the way and so many people have gotten hurt without your intervening on their behalf, it just doesn't make any sense for you to get so bent out of shape about a lousy pair of sandals for some peasants.
You're killing us here, G*D, get a grip, let's get real and if you'll just look away one more time, we'll get you a nice temple for us to have Thanksgiving turkey together.
http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2004/september2004.html
Amos 8:4-7 or Jeremiah 8:18-9:1
Basic questions: Is the Lord not in Zion? [the king is missing in action] Did our hard work not pay off? [harvest and pleasure (summer) have come and gone - our economy is missing in action]
To focus on the economy question that is so real in so many people's lives (poverty is up - it must be a growth industry), Jeremiah's realization is analyzed by Amos - Sabbath gets in the way of our next sale (by definition, at the highest possible profit level) and the blessed and follow Jacob (tricking the less blessed out of their birthright for a little silver or pair of sandals).
No wonder there is heartsick grief always at hand. Everyone is complicit, even the complainers about it hug their silver or sandals, even G*D is slow to do anything but weep. This state of affairs can never be forgotten, only and finally moved on from.
- - -
is there no balm in gilead
well yes there is
no physician there
again yes
even Elijah
sprang forth there
everything needed is present
except of course understanding
and so we weep
long and hard we weep
unendingly long we weep
where is our health
where is our care
where is our health care
in the hands of merchant
and politician
rolled and squeezed
until there is no balm left
weep with Jeremiah
denounce with Amos
now get up and on
there is a balm
it is for all
now