God’s Day is Darkness, Not Light

Text: Amos 5:18-27

Reflection and Question: For as long as I can remember, a two-story high banner has hung in the chancel of my church home, the Community of Reconciliation, with words that tumble down over rocks: “Let justice roll down like waters.” And we in the congregation know the parallel poetry, “And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” What we don’t think of much is the severity of Amos’ words surrounding this command; that the people’s failure in justice is leading to defeat, exile and “gloom with no brightness in it.” How do you let justice roll down like waters where you are?

Prayer: Pray justice may come rolling down As in a mighty stream,
With righteousness in field and town To cleanse us and redeem.
For God is longing to restore An earth where conflicts cease,
A world that was created for A harmony of peace.
(H. Kenn Carmichael, Presbyterian Hymnal, 434)

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).