When Justice Hits Home

Preparing for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Two Days before Sunday (Year C)

Scripture

For information on semicontinuous and complementary readings in the season after Pentecost or Ordinary Time, click here.

Semicontinuous: Psalm 82; Amos 2:4-11; Acts 7:9-16

Complementary: Psalm 25:1-10; Genesis 41:37-49; Acts 7:9-16

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Prayer

Redeeming Sustainer, visit your people and pour out your strength and courage upon us, that we may hurry to make you welcome not only in our concern for others, but by serving them generously and faithfully in your name. Amen. (Revised Common Lectionary)

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Reflection

Amos 2:4-11

The words of Amos in 2:4–11 strike with a startling reversal. After pronouncing judgment on Israel’s neighbors—harsh or violent enemies such as Damascus, Gaza, and Edom—the reader might feel an uneasy satisfaction, watching divine justice reach outward toward the wicked.